The Liberal Party is gearing up for a leadership race to replace Trudeau, with several candidates stepping up and others opting out
Ottawa: The Liberal Party is diving into its first leadership race in over ten years since Justin Trudeau announced he’s stepping down. Candidates have until 5 p.m. ET today to declare their intentions, along with a hefty deposit of $50,000 towards a total fee of $350,000. The new leader will be revealed on March 9.
So, who’s throwing their hat in the ring? Chandra Arya was quick to announce his candidacy just days after Trudeau’s news. He’s been an MP since 2015 and has some bold ideas, like wanting to abolish the monarchy and opposing carbon pricing. Then there’s Jaime Battiste, the first Mi’kmaw MP, who’s keen on making history as the first Indigenous prime minister. He’s got plans to improve funding for First Nations policing and revive a child welfare reform proposal.
Frank Baylis, a former MP and businessman, was the first to declare his candidacy, but it’s unclear if he’s submitted his paperwork yet. Mark Carney, a big name in finance, has also jumped in, backed by several prominent figures in the party. He’s been involved with the Liberals for a while now, advising on economic issues.
Michael Clark is a newcomer to politics, running on a pro-life platform, while Ruby Dhalla, who hasn’t been in the game since 2011, is also considering a comeback. Chrystia Freeland, a former finance minister, is in the race too, having had a significant role in Trudeau’s government until recently. Karina Gould, known for her work on child care, has also filed her candidacy.
On the flip side, some notable names have decided to sit this one out. Anita Anand, once seen as a rising star, won’t be running and has even said she won’t seek re-election. François-Philippe Champagne is focusing on protecting Canadian industries instead of running. Christy Clark, the former B.C. premier, pulled out due to time constraints and language concerns.
Mélanie Joly, the foreign affairs minister, opted out to stay focused on her current role, while Dominic LeBlanc, a close ally of Trudeau, also ruled himself out. Steven MacKinnon and Jonathan Wilkinson have both decided not to run, citing the short timeline and the need for new energy in the party.
It’s shaping up to be an interesting race, with a mix of fresh faces and seasoned politicians vying for the top spot in the Liberal Party.
