Former reporter wants to represent Conservatives in Mont-Royal riding

Even though her former job was to not take sides, former journalist Pascale Dery has chosen one: The Conservative party of Canada. 

She made the official announcement Wednesday, about a week after stepping down from her job at TVA.

“In quebec, we need a voice, a voice for this government,” said Dery in a news conference.  “This government is very strong. They have a lot of accomplishments and a good record and we need to convey that message.”

She was approached by the party last year, but only decided to run for nomination in the Mont-Royal riding a few months ago.

And she's already being backed by a federal minister.

“She's inspiring,” said public safety minister Steven Blaney who joined her at the news conference. ”She's a young mother. she speaks many languages. she's what Canada has best to offer.”

Dery will face a difficult task. Mont-Royal is a liberal stronghold and was a majority Anglophone riding. In the last federal election, the Tories came in second and some political analysts say the Conservatives are trying to woo the francophone vote.

Bruce Hicks, a political scientist, said the Tories are hoping Dery’s appeal with the public will help attract voters beyond the Mont-Royal riding.

“They think that her name recognition and her reputation in the francophone community might impact on ridings around it,” explained Hicks. “So I think they are playing a larger game than just this riding.”

Dery is already going up against two well-known Montrealers: newspaper editor Beryl Wajsman and former MNA Robert Libman.

Libman says the Tories ability to recruit Quebec stars reflects the party's standing.  And despite the heated competition, he’s still confident he'll win the nomination.

“I was the mayor and the member of the national assembly for at least half of the riding for many, many years,” said Libman. “I’m well known in the community with deep roots.”

Voters will have to wait to know who the Tories choose as their candidate. The race is still open and the date for the Conservative nomination meeting hasn't been set.