Jake Stewart, the Progressive-Conservative MLA for Southwest Miramichi-Bay du Vin, has announced he's running for the federal Conservative Party nomination in the riding of Miramichi-Grand Lake.

Stewart was first elected to the provincial legislature in 2010. He was named Aboriginal Affairs minister by Blaine Higgs when he became premier in 2018, and was left out of the cabinet following Premier Higgs' re-election in 2020.

Stewart said a federal election is possible as early as this spring, and he wants to ensure his riding has a voice in Ottawa.

The Miramichi-Grand Lake Conservative Electoral District Association will hold its nomination meeting on May 15, 2021, at the Miramichi Exhibition Agricultural Centre, from 12 PM to 4 PM.