Michael Coteau was first elected to the provincial legislature in 2011 and he is one of the few liberals who is still a sitting MPP.

Former Hamilton Mayor Larry Di Ianni arranged for Coteau to meet some business leaders, now that he’s announced his intention to run for Liberal leader.

Former cabinet minister Steven Del Duca, and former candidate Alvin Tedjo are the other two already declared, both lost the election in 2018.

Coteau’s campaign video traces his background, as a young immigrant with a black father and white mother, who became the first of his family to graduate high school and university before starting a business and winning elections.

Commentator Keith Leslie says Coteau is a real contender, although others like fellow MPP Mitzie Hunter are expected to join the race.