Liberal Party to Elect New Leader and Prime Minister-Designate
The Liberal Party of Canada will elect a new leader and prime minister-designate on Sunday from a field of four candidates. The winner will inherit a country facing economic uncertainty, especially if U.S. President Donald Trump imposes 25% tariffs on Canadian imports, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency
Outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose popularity has plummeted in recent polls, announced he would step down after a decade in office once a new leader is chosen. His departure has led to a significant rebound in public support for the Liberals, narrowing the opposition Conservatives' lead.
The Candidates
The new leader, chosen through an online vote, will take office after a brief transition and could soon face a federal election triggered by a no-confidence vote. The four contenders are:
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Mark Carney, former Governor of the Bank of Canada and current frontrunner.
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Chrystia Freeland, former Deputy Prime Minister.
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Karina Gould, ex-Cabinet minister.
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Frank Baylis, former Member of Parliament.
The Voting Process
Registered Liberal members, approximately 400,000 as of January 30, will vote online until Sunday at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Canada’s 343 Liberal ridings will allocate points based on votes received. If no candidate secures over 50% in the first round, the lowest-scoring candidate is eliminated, and their points are redistributed.
The winner will be announced later Sunday, with U.S. tariffs expected to be the new leader’s top priority.
