MONTREAL

Moreau to announce Liberal leadership bid Monday

CTV Montreal Published Sunday, September 30, 2012 4:56PM EDT Last Updated Monday, October 1, 2012 7:49AM EDT

Quebec Transport Miinister Pierre Moreau walks to a party caucus Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at the legislature in Quebec City. Moreau told reporters he was open to holding a special inquiry on corruption. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

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MONTREAL—Former Transport Minister Pierre Moreau will announce his candidacy for Quebec’s Liberal Party leadership on Monday morning in his riding of Chateauguay.

The announcement was widley expected. On Friday, former Finance Minister Raymond Bachand was the first to throw his hat into the fray to replace Jean Charest. After nine years as premier, Charest resigned after losing during Quebec's Sept. 4 general election.

Philippe Couillard, a popular former health minister, confirmed to The Canadian Press he will announce his candidacy on Wednesday.

Couillard is considered a possible frontrunner despite being out of politics for the past four years.

The 55-year-old former brain surgeon wants the Liberals to better defend Quebecers on key identity issues -- such as language and Quebec's place within Canada -- in order to compete with the newly-elected Parti Quebecois.

--with files from The Canadian Press.