An NDP source confirmed to CBC News Online that Schreyer will run in the Selkirk/Interlake riding, which is just north of Winnipeg between Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipegosis in the west and Lake Winnipeg in the east.
"It's remarkable in the sense there is no precedent and now it creates a precedent on that, which creates much dialogue in constitutional circles," David Mitchell, a political historian and vice-president of the University of Ottawa, told CBC News Online.
Mitchell said the appointment of Schreyer, who served as governor general from 1979-84, was controversial at the time as he became the first former politician to be given the post.
Governor General Ed Schreyer and his wife Lily look on as Pierre Trudeau bows and greets the Queen upon her arrival in Ottawa, April 15, 1982. (CP photo)
He said Schreyer's return to politics will raise questions about the nature of Canada's constitutional democracy, including whether former politicians should be candidates for governor general having once played partisan roles; and can a person serve in that role and emerge again in the political fray?
"Does it depreciate the perceived independence of that position?" Mitchell asked.
The seat is currently held by Conservative MP James Bezan. In the 2004 vote, Bezan defeated New Democrat Duane Nicol by 8,211 votes.
At age 22, Schreyer became the youngest member of the Manitoba legislature in 1958.
He was elected to the House of Commons in 1965. Four years later, he became the leader of the New Democratic Party of Manitoba, and served as premier from 1969 to 1977.
When Schreyer become governor general at 43, he was the youngest to hold the position since Lord Lorne in 1878 at age 33, and Lord Lansdowne in 1883 at 38. After his term, he was appointed high commissioner to Australia.
He has since returned to Winnipeg, where he works as the national representative for Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit housing organization.
In the last election campaign, the NDP introduced another star candidate, with the announcement that former NDP leader Ed Broadbent would run in the riding of Ottawa Centre. Broadbent, who won the seat, is not seeking re-election.
Voters go to the polls Jan. 23.
