Trudeau’s Liberal Party to name new Canada PM on March 9; who are in the fray – Times of India

Canada’s governing Liberal Party has said the next prime minister and party leader will be chosen after a leadership vote on March 9. This comes a week after Justin Trudeau made the decision to resign from both positions after facing extreme pressure to step down. However, he will continue to hold the prime ministerial post till the new leader is chosen.
Sachit Mehra, president of the Liberal Party of Canada, said in a statement, “After a robust and secure nation-wide process, the Liberal Party of Canada will choose a new leader on March 9, and be ready to fight and win the 2025 election.”
This political transition occurs during challenging times for Canada, as US President-elect Donald Trump repeatedly refers to Canada as the 51st state and threatens 25% tariffs on Canadian imports.
The incoming Liberal leader might serve the briefest term as prime minister in Canadian history. Opposition parties have pledged to challenge the Liberal minority government through a no-confidence vote after Parliament reconvenes on March 24.
Current polling data indicates diminishing Liberal support. Nanos’s latest survey shows Conservatives leading Liberals by 45% to 23%.
Trudeau stepped down on Monday amidst declining support both internally and nationally. The 53-year-old son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau lost public favour over various issues, including escalating food and housing costs and immigration concerns.
Meanwhile, the race to be Canada’s news PM and Trudeau’s successor has begin with several candidates in fray including India-born MP Chandra Arya and transport minister Anita Anand.
Here are thefrontrunners:
Transport minister Anita Anand, 58, a former Yale academic, entered parliament in 2019 and managed Canada’s COVID-19 response. She later implemented military reforms as defence minister.
Chandra Arya, 78, an India-born MP representing Nepean has declared his candidacy for the Liberal Party leadership position.
Chrystia Freeland, the former deputy prime minister who stepped down in December following disagreements over Trump’s proposed 25-percent tariffs on Canadian imports. At 56, she has extensive cabinet experience since 2015 and leads in polls, though analysts note her communication challenges.
Mark Carney, 59, previously governed both the Bank of Canada and Bank of England before becoming Trudeau’s special economic advisor. Despite broad support, his lack of political experience and elite status may prove challenging.
Dominic LeBlanc, 57, Trudeau’s longtime friend and current finance minister, has led US negotiations and visited Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate twice. His close association with Trudeau might affect his candidacy.
Foreign minister Melanie Joly, 45, has managed complex diplomatic relations with China and India. Her team reports significant interest in her potential leadership bid.
Former British Columbia premier Christy Clark, 59, expressed early interest in October. Her outsider status and grassroots connection could prove advantageous.