In Montreal, Canada, the race to succeed Justin Trudeau as leader of the Liberal Party and as the country’s prime minister is well underway, with seven candidates vying for the position. The deadline for formal candidacy submissions was Thursday evening, and the party is set to choose its new leader on March 9. It may take a few days to determine the official candidates, as reported by Canadian media outlets.
The Liberals are hoping that a new leader will improve their chances in the upcoming federal election, as current polls show them trailing significantly behind the Conservative Party. The election must be held by October 20, but it could be called as soon as Canadian lawmakers return to the House of Commons on March 24.
Three credible candidates are currently in the running for the Liberal Party leadership: economist Mark Carney and former Trudeau cabinet ministers Chrystia Freeland and Karina Gould. However, Carney and Freeland are considered the frontrunners, according to political science professor Semra Sevi.
Carney, a former central banker, has positioned himself as a political outsider and emphasized his expertise in economic issues. He has received endorsements from top Liberal ministers and has expressed openness to alternative climate policies to address concerns in western Canada, particularly in Alberta.
Freeland, a key member of Trudeau’s inner circle, has focused on managing US-Canada relations and trade issues. Despite her experience in high-profile government roles, her close association with Trudeau’s government may be a vulnerability as Canadians express a desire for change.
Both candidates are working to appeal to different segments of the Liberal base and differentiate themselves from their opponents. The outcome of the leadership race will have significant implications for the party’s future and its prospects in the upcoming election.