Quebec MP Blaney joins Conservative leadership race

Conservative MP Steven Blaney is joining the party's leadership race.

Blaney made the announcement at an event in his riding near Quebec City today.

Blaney, 51, has been an MP since 2006.

He held various cabinet portfolios under the former Tory government.

Maxime Bernier, Andrew Scheer, Kellie Leitch, Michael Chong, Deepak Obhrai and Brad Trost are the other declared candidates.

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  Bellechasse-Les Etchemins-Levis Conservative MP Steven Blaney waves to supporters at a Conservative Party brunch, Sunday, October 23, 2016 in Levis Que. Blaney announced his decision to run for the leadership of the federal Conservative Party. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot