Liberal MP Denis Coderre arrives at Montreal City Hall to announce his intention to run as city mayor in Montreal on Thursday May 16, 2013.Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press
A member of the Quebec legislature is jumping to federal politics to seek the Liberal nomination in Denis Coderre's old riding.
Emmanuel Dubourg says he wants to represent Bourassa in the House of Commons.
Dubourg, 54, has been a Liberal member of the national assembly for the Montreal riding of Viau since 2007.
Bourassa is vacant because of Coderre's decision to run for mayor of Montreal this November.
Dubourg told a news conference Friday that he is quitting his national assembly seat immediately to devote his time to getting the federal nomination.
He said he discussed his candidacy with federal Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, who he described as a friend, but received no promises.
"I expressed my interest and he told me 'there are other candidates, other people are interested so, Emmanuel, it's your decision,"' Dubourg said.
"As in everything, there's a risk. If I don't win the nomination, I don't have a job," he added with a smile.
In a statement, Quebec Liberal Leader Philippe Couillard thanked Dubourg for his service but ruled out running in Viau.
Couillard, who was elected Liberal leader in March, has said he will announce where he will run for a seat in the legislature by the end of the month.