With just over two weeks left before the Liberal Party selects its new leader to succeed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, frontrunners Chrystia Freeland and Mark Carney made significant campaign announcements on Wednesday, highlighting their distinct economic priorities.
During a visit to a dairy farm in Waterville, Quebec, Freeland reaffirmed her commitment to defending Canada’s supply management system in future trade negotiations, particularly against potential tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump. She also called for the immediate publication of a list of counter-tariffs that Canada would impose in retaliation to Trump’s proposed duties on Canadian goods.
“I am ready to defend Canada once again,” Freeland declared. “Canada needs a strong negotiator, and I have the experience to stand up for our farmers and workers.”
Meanwhile, Carney, speaking in Scarborough, Ontario, focused on fiscal responsibility, pledging to rein in government spending and balance operational budgets within three years. While stopping short of specific cost breakdowns, he emphasized the need for capping public service expansion and improving efficiency across federal programs.
“The key to economic stability is smarter government spending,” Carney stated. “We must invest in the economy while keeping fiscal discipline at the forefront.”
The two candidates’ economic approaches set the stage for a heated leadership contest, with Carney emerging as a fundraising leader, surpassing $2 million in donations.
Meanwhile, new polling from Nanos Research and Leger suggests that the Liberals could significantly close the gap with the Conservatives under Carney’s leadership, potentially positioning him as a strong challenger to Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre in the next federal election.
The Liberal leadership race concludes on March 9, 2025, when party members will cast their votes.