A7

By Jim Dumville

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As the long-awaited New Brunswick Progressive Conservative leadership convention draws closer, David Alward continues to attract high-profile support from all corners of the province.

The Woodstock MLA's latest endorsements in his race against Sussex businessman Bruce MacLeod came from New Brunswick's northwest corner. This week, with only a week to go before the Oct. 18 convention in Fredericton, veteran Restigouche-la-Vallée MLA Percy Mockler announced his support for his former cabinet colleague in the Bernard Lord government.

In addition to Mockler's support, Alward also garnered the endorsement of Mockler's riding association president Carmin Martel, along with the declared support of riding association presidents in three neighbouring ridings.

Edmundston-Saint-Basile riding association president Robert Ouellette, along with Yvon Bonenfant of Madawaska-les-Lacs and Fernand Rioux of Grand Falls-Drummond-Saint André, also threw their support behind Alward.

The Grand Falls-area riding is held by Liberal Agriculture Minister Ron Ouellette. The Madawaska-les-Lacs MLA is Jeannot Volpé, who is serving as Tory interim leader, and the Edmundston-Saint-Basile MLA is Madeleine Dubé, who is a member of the leadership convention committee. They must remain neutral in the race.

Alward said the support from the four ridings in northwestern New Brunswick continues his province-wide growth.

"We're the only team that's reflective of the mosaic of New Brunswick," he said.

Despite having a vast lead in endorsements from caucus colleagues and riding association officials, Alward said he and his team will not be resting on their laurels during the final week of the leadership campaign. He said his team must continue to sign up members and ensure they have a strong vote.

Alward's campaign manager, Oromocto MLA Jody Carr, keeps getting more duties piled on his already full plate.

In addition to his duties with Alward, Carr is the campaign chairperson for Fredericton Tory candidate Keith Ashfield in the federal election campaign. He is also looking to support his brother Jack, who is running in the byelection called last week by Premier Shawn Graham to replace Ashfield as the New Maryland MLA.

"Jody is doing a great job," Alward said.

While he's busy, Alward added, Carr's got a strong campaign team around him.