New Delhi:
After 9 years on the helm, Justin Trudeau has stepped down as Canada’s prime minister and the chief of the governing Liberal Get together. The Liberals must elect a brand new chief forward of the October 2025 basic elections, the place surveys do not paint an encouraging image for the get together. A number of candidates are anticipated to enter the management race.
Listed here are essentially the most distinguished ones:
Chrystia Freeland
Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s former deputy prime minister, is among the many distinguished names anticipated to affix the Liberal management race. Freeland resigned unexpectedly in December, citing disagreements with Justin Trudeau over “the perfect path ahead for Canada.” A high-profile member of Trudeau’s staff, Freeland has beforehand served as Canada’s minister of overseas affairs and minister of finance.
Final 12 months, Freeland was requested why Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was beforehand on Canada’s no-fly record and had his financial institution accounts frozen, is being honoured posthumously in Parliament. She responded by acknowledging the solemn anniversary of Nijjar’s demise and reaffirming Trudeau’s sturdy stance in opposition to threats to Canadians. She, nonetheless, prevented explaining the federal government’s earlier actions in opposition to Nijjar or the explanations behind honouring him after his demise.
Mark Carney
Mark Carney, former governor of the Financial institution of Canada, is extensively seen as a prime candidate for the Liberal Get together management. Trudeau admitted he had lengthy tried to carry Carney into his staff, most not too long ago providing him the function of finance minister after Chrystia Freeland’s exit. Carney declined.
He has not too long ago been reaching out to Liberal MPs, gauging assist for a possible management bid, in accordance with the Toronto Star.
Mark Carney, Chair of Brookfield Asset Administration, stated in 2023 that he sees India as a significant alternative for funding resulting from its sturdy home demand and international provide chain shifts.
Anita Anand
Anita Anand, Canada’s Transport Minister, is taken into account one of many extra formidable members of the Liberal caucus. With a background in monetary market regulation and company governance, the Indian-origin chief has held a number of key positions, together with overseeing public companies and procurement, defence, and the Treasury Board, within the federal authorities.
Final 12 months, Anita Anand introduced stronger safety measures for air passengers travelling to India. This got here after tensions between Canada and India elevated when Trudeau accused India of being concerned within the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. She stated the safety measures had been for security and included extra checks for passengers flying from Canada to India.
Dominic LeBlanc
Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s finance minister, stepped into the function instantly after Chrystia Freeland’s resignation and is one in every of Trudeau’s closest allies.
LeBlanc is a trusted ally of Trudeau. Their long-standing friendship consists of LeBlanc babysitting Trudeau and his siblings of their youth. LeBlanc comes from a political household, together with his father serving within the cupboard of Trudeau’s father, Pierre Trudeau. A former lawyer, he as soon as ran for get together management in 2008 however misplaced.
Final 12 months, LeBlanc addressed critical allegations involving India’s overseas interference in Canada. He confirmed that the continued inquiry into overseas interference would additionally look into new claims of prison actions, similar to homicide, coercion, and extortion, allegedly linked to Indian authorities brokers. LeBlanc stated that the inquiry’s present mandate already covers India’s involvement, and he was assured that the ultimate report would come with these new allegations.
Melanie Joly
Canada’s Minister of Overseas Affairs, Melanie Joly, has navigated diplomatic tensions, together with a rift with China and accusations involving the Indian authorities. She is thought for her “pragmatic diplomacy”, which includes participating with nations that Canada has disagreements with.
Final October, Joly expelled six Indian diplomats linked to alleged prison actions focusing on Canadian residents. The transfer adopted an RCMP investigation into the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023.
