The Conservative Party of Canada will select its next leader on September 10 this year.
The party said the September date will give time for prospective candidates to mount their leadership campaigns, including former Quebec premier Jean Charest.
Charest met with about 40 Members of Parliament and Senators before the rules of the contest were announced several hours later. He said he was waiting to see the rules before making a decision on a possible leadership bid.
Among the decisions Conservatives on the committee had to make was opting for a shorter contest or a longer one — a decision many said would determine how many candidates would decide to enter the race, such as those not currently serving as MPs and people who may run on single issues.
So far, the only candidate who has declared himself to be running is Pierre Poilievre, a well-known politician with a reputation for extreme conservative views and fiery rhetoric in Parliament.
Charest, a former leader of the Quebec Liberal and federal Progressive Conservative parties, is also expected to run for the leadership.
The party says candidates have until April 19 to throw their hats into the ring. The entry fee for the leadership race is $200,000, on top of a $100,000 deposit to ensure they comply with the rules, which will be refunded after the leadership race has concluded.
Previous Conservative Party leader Erin O'Toole resigned earlier this year after facing a caucus revolt.
