LeBlanc acclaimed

Anthony LeBlanc says there’s no reason why Thunder Bay can’t duplicate the success of a technology cluster he helped forge in Kitchener-Waterloo.

This time the former Research In Motion executive wants to help from the government’s side of the fence.

On Tuesday he took his first steps in that direction, accepting the Progressive Conservative nomination in Thunder Bay-Superior North, launching a campaign to take on powerful Liberal Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry Michael Gravelle.

“I think Thunder Bay is a great community that needs to be a little bit more forward-thinking,” LeBlanc said, his acclimation as a candidate confirmed minutes earlier.

“I think it’s important that we start looking at other job sectors. But really the reason I’m getting involved is I think it’s time for us to focus on very important issues for the hardworking families here in the region.”

Those issues include rising hydro bills, tax hikes and not enough money being spent on health care. LeBlanc, who is seeking to become the first Conservative elected in Thunder Bay since Mickey Hennessey took the Fort William riding in 1987, said the political climate in the city and outlying areas is ripe for a Conservative return to Queen’s Park.

Gravelle, who has held the riding since 1995, can be beaten, LeBlanc insisted.

“Anybody can win come election day, and I’m doing this for one reason and one reason only. I plan to be the next MPP for Thunder Bay-Superior North in a Tim Hudak government,” he said.

“I think first off it’s important to note that Minister Gravelle received less than 50 per cent of the vote last time around. He did have a very strong candidate going against him for the NDP and I feel I have a very strong background and would do an awful lot to help the region.”

LeBlanc is making his first stab at political politics, handpicked by Hudak to run. After leaving RIM following eight years with the company that brought the world the Blackberry, he devoted his efforts to helping his company, Ice Edge Holdings Inc., attempt to buy the financially struggling Phoenix Coyotes of the NHL.

Ice Edge, who later accepted a minority ownership role in Michael Hulsizer’s bid to buy the Coyotes, dropped out of the deal earlier this month. LeBlanc said he’s continuing to focus on bringing a professional hockey team to Thunder Bay.

The NDP, whose nomination closes within the week, and Green Party have yet to name candidates to run in the Oct. 6 election.