As the March deadline approaches, the leading candidates in the race to replace Prime Minister Trudeau are:
Anita Anand: A pastor from India with diverse experience
Anita Anand, a 57-year-old Oxford-educated academic, has held several key positions in Trudeau’s cabinet, including minister of defense, public services and procurement and chair of the finance committee. Mr. Anand, who currently serves as transport minister, is known for his leadership in helping Canada support Ukraine during the Russo-Ukrainian war. Born to a Tamil father and a Punjabi mother, she was elected to Parliament in 2019 and quickly rose to prominence under the Trudeau government.
Mélanie Joly: Prime Minister Trudeau’s trusted ally
Mélanie Joly, who currently serves as Minister of Foreign Affairs, has been a key figure in Trudeau’s cabinet since 2021. The 45-year-old lawyer has provided strong leadership during international crises, including the Israel-Hamas conflict and the displacement of Canadian citizens. Jolie, an Oxford University graduate, acknowledged that Trudeau personally encouraged her to enter politics. “He called me regularly and said, ‘Melanie, you have to get away,'” Jolie said in a past interview.
Chrystia Freeland: An influential critic of Prime Minister Trudeau
Former journalist and deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland will step down in December 2024, surprising many in Canada. The 56-year-old, who also served as finance minister, criticized Trudeau’s spending plan in his resignation letter. Freeland has been a key figure in the Liberal Party since 2013, playing a vital role in trade and economic policy.
Mark Carney: Internationally qualified economist
Mark Carney, 59, a Harvard graduate and former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, has been floated as a possible successor. Mr. Carney has never held public office, but has advised Mr. Trudeau on economic issues and climate change policy. His support for a federal carbon tax has made him a divisive figure among conservatives.François-Philippe Champagne: veteran cabinet minister
François-Philippe Champagne, currently Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, has held various cabinet positions since entering politics in 2015. The 54-year-old is a member of Prime Minister Trudeau’s key economic team and has a background in international trade and trade. Foreign affairs. Prior to politics, Mr. Champagne held senior positions at ABB Group, a multinational automation company.What’s next for the Liberal Party?
The Liberal Party now faces the challenge of selecting a leader who can rebuild the party in the next general election. With a diverse field of candidates, this decision will shape the future of the party and its approach to the nation’s pressing issues.
