Canada: Race for Trudeau's Leadership Position Heats Up
Member of Parliament for Ontario, Karina Gould, has entered the race to become the new leader of the ruling Liberal Party, succeeding Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. This makes her the first cabinet minister to pursue this position.
During a Q&A session on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, on December 17, 2024, Gould stated, "It's time for a new generation of leaders. I am here for Canada and for you today, tomorrow, and for many years to come." At only 37 years old, she is the youngest candidate in the running.
Like others who have recently made announcements, she criticized the current leadership, expressing, "Canadians have lost faith in our party, and we need to earn their trust back."
Other cabinet members who considered running have opted out of the competition. This group includes Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade Anita Anand, and Minister of Innovation François-Philippe Champagne.
Last week, former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney became the first significant contenders to join the race.
In a brief statement posted on X on Friday, Freeland, who was also Finance Minister at the time of her unexpected resignation in December, remarked, "I am running to fight for Canada." She is set to officially launch her campaign on Sunday.
Earlier on Thursday afternoon, Carney, who was governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, made his official candidacy announcement in Edmonton. He also shared a brief message on X, stating, "I’m in."
“I’m doing this because Canada is the best country in the world, but it can be even better,” said the 59-year-old.
He emphasized his status as an "outsider," criticizing Trudeau's government: “The Prime Minister and his team are too often distracted from the economy. The system isn’t working as it should and as it could,” he stated.
Carney was appointed Governor of the Bank of Canada in 2008 and later moved to London to serve as Governor of the Bank of England, holding that position until 2013.
He chose Edmonton for his announcement as it's the city where he grew up. Freeland, anticipated to be Carney's main rival for the Liberal leadership, entered the race just a few hours later.
The leadership contest among the Liberals was triggered by Trudeau’s announcement of his intent to resign earlier this month.
The process will conclude by March 9, as the new leader will have roughly two weeks to prepare for a parliamentary meeting scheduled for March 24 after a break.
Candidates must submit their applications by January 23. Those wishing to vote in the race must register with the party by January 27.
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