Finance Minister LeBlanc opts out of Liberal leadership race
Ottawa: After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that he intends to step down as leader of the Liberal party and from his post, the race for the next Prime Minister hots up.
Several names are making the rounds as potential contenders for the leadership race, but on Wednesday morning, Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc distanced himself from it.
In a statement, LeBlanc said he would not run for the Liberal party leadership.
Member Parliament from New Brunswick, LeBlanc said, “Canada is at “a critical juncture in its relationship with its most important ally and trading partner, the United States.”
“As a result, I will keep my full attention on making the case against the unjust application of tariffs on Canadian businesses.”
Here are some names that may content the party leadership elections:
Chrystia Freeland
Former Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland is seen as a probable contender to contest the party leadership race.
He was seen as a close associate of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau until she resigned from the Cabinet. News was coming out that Trudeau wanted to change her portfolio.
Mark Carney
Former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney has not ruled out running to lead the Liberal Party. On Monday, he released a statement and said he would “closely” consider to run for the leadership.
“I’m encouraged and honoured by the support that I’ve already been hearing from Liberal MPs and Liberals across the country who want us to move forward with positive change and a winning economic plan,” he said in a statement.
Mélanie Joly
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly is also seen as a possible candidate who can fight the leadership elections. She, however, hasn’t directly answered the question regarding running for the party leadership race.
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre has already attacked her on social media X regarding her possible chances to fight for the leadership election.
Anita Anand
Ontario MP and president of the Treasury Board Anita Anand has served on key Cabinet portfolios since 2019 when she was inducted into the Cabinet for the first time.
There are chances that she may consider for the party leadership race.
Christy Clark
Former B.C. Premier Christy Clark has shown her intentions to fight for the party leadership race. Last year in October, she had issued a statement saying she “would like to be part of the discussion about the future direction of the Liberal Party and the country.”
Since Liberal Party will now choose its new leader, Christy Clark has a chance to be part of the party leadership elections.
François-Philippe Champagne
A key member of the Trudeau Cabinet, Francois-Philippe Champagne had issued a statement in favour of caucus members who had shown dissent over Justin Trudeau’s leadership. In a statement, he had said that “they should be heard”.
After Justin Trudeau announced his resignation, he thanked him on X.
“From helping Canadians in times of need to reshaping our country’s industrial landscape and seizing generational opportunities, Canada can look forward to the future with confidence,” he wrote.
Jonathan Wilkinson
Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson may run for the party leadership election.
He was elected in 2015 when the Liberals formed the government. Since 2018, he has been part of the Cabinet.
