Pablo Rodriguez considering bid for Quebec Liberal leadership: sources

Federal cabinet minister Pablo Rodriguez is seriously considering a bid for the leadership of the Quebec Liberal Party, Radio-Canada has learned.

The minister of transport is being approached by Liberal supporters in Quebec and Ottawa, sources say.

Sources indicate that Rodriguez is interested in those overtures and is reflecting deeply on the idea. A source close to the negotiations said Rodriguez could be «ready to move on» after two decades in federal politics.

Rodriguez has begun consultations to gauge interest in a possible candidacy. Radio-Canada has learned that he has spoken about the possible bid to his cabinet colleague, François-Philippe Champagne, whose name has also been circulating at varying intensity for several months.

The small group promoting Rodriguez's candidacy argues that he fits the mould for what the provincial party needs in a leader. They praise his knowledge of Quebec issues as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Quebec lieutenant, as well as his skills as an organizer and communicator.

It is believed that his background as the son of an immigrant, a student in Sherbrooke, a member of the youth commission of the Quebec Liberal Party in the 1990s and a federal minister could resonate with Liberal activists. According to one source, he would bring a breath of fresh air to the provincial Liberals.

Asked for comment, the minister did not confirm or deny that he was thinking about a bid.

«As minister of transport and Quebec lieutenant in Justin Trudeau's government, I am proud to work hard for the good of Quebecers and all Canadians. I am sincerely touched by the many requests I have received to return to where it all began for me,» Rodriguez said.

The new provincial Liberal leader will be chosen on June 14,