Northern politician joins PC leadership race

TORONTO - Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli confirmed Nipissing's worst kept secret Thursday in downtown Toronto, telling a crowd of supporters and media that's he's in the race to become the next leader of Ontario's PC Party.

Fedeli says he's going to renew his party first, then go about fixing Ontario - and he won't be shy about asking for help.

"We're going to be broad and inclusive and talk to the people of Ontario."

"It's not about being right, left or centre. It's about doing the right thing for the people of Ontario first." Fedeli said.

The party finance critic told reporters he believes in a "big tent" approach to citizen support.

"When I'm done we're going to need a bigger tent. We're looking for big ideas."

Fedeli referenced the last couple of election losses saying the last one was a "crushing disappointment."

He said he's tired of apologizing for the party.

"We'll be bold, but not mean."

"We've got to stop giving people reasons to vote against us, and start giving them reasons to vote for us", Fedeli admitted.

"Today is the day to launch the campaign and tell the people of Ontario I'm coming out there and I want to talk to you - one by restoring pride in our members. I want our members to be proud again to be Progressive Conservatives. Then we're going to talk about making Ontario first," he added.

He also looked back to his time as mayor of North Bay.

"I ran for mayor when the city of North Bay was in decline. It was a huge challenge, similar to what Ontario faces today."

"We restored hope. We can do the same thing for Ontario."

Vic's wife Patti Fedeli is looking forward to the campaign.

She told BayToday "I'm excited. It's going to be a lot of fun."

Asked how her life will change she replied "Give me 20 minutes to shave my legs and change my dress and I'm ready to go!"

His mother Lena was also on hand.

"I feel great pride," she said. "I just feel he has so much to contribute and I'm glad he's sharing and getting out and doing it."

Fedeli will do it all over again Friday at the Davedi club when he greets supporters in North Bay.

The party will pick a new leader in May.