he race to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as Liberal Party leader has narrowed significantly, with former B.C. Premier Christy Clark and Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne announcing they will not run. At the same time, senior Liberals Chrystia Freeland, Karina Gould, and Mark Carney are expected to declare their candidacy in the coming days.
Sources report that Clark, the first woman elected Premier of British Columbia, was “emotional” as she informed her core team of her decision during a conference call. In a message to supporters, Clark acknowledged the short timeline as a significant barrier, particularly in connecting with Francophone voters.
“I’ve worked hard at improving my French, but it’s not where it needs to be today,” she wrote. Clark also noted that other contenders have had over a year to prepare, leaving her at a disadvantage.
Clark’s announcement comes amid scrutiny over her past political affiliations. Last week, she denied allegations of joining the Conservative Party in 2022 to support Jean Charest during its leadership race. However, a screenshot shared by Conservative adviser Jenni Byrne appeared to contradict her claim. Clark later clarified on social media, writing: “Sh*t happens. Lessons learned.”
Despite speculation, sources close to Clark insist the controversy did not influence her decision to step back.
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne confirmed his decision to stay out of the leadership race during a speech at the Canadian Club in Toronto. He emphasized his commitment to defending Canadian interests in the face of potential tariffs from the incoming Trump administration.
“This was one of the most difficult decisions of my life, but it’s the right one at the right time,” Champagne said.
As Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry since 2021, Champagne has played a pivotal role in Canada’s economic strategy. He will now focus on leading Canada’s “Team Canada” approach to U.S. relations during what he described as a “hurricane” of political challenges.
Government House Leader Karina Gould is set to announce her leadership bid this week. A source close to her campaign revealed that her platform will focus on affordability and addressing the concerns of younger Canadians. Gould, who made history as the first cabinet minister to take maternity leave in 2018, brings a unique perspective to the race.
Former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, who recently resigned from Trudeau’s cabinet, is also poised to declare her candidacy. Freeland’s campaign is expected to focus on a tough stance against U.S. tariffs, with a policy of dollar-for-dollar retaliation.
Former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor Mark Carney is anticipated to launch his campaign soon, with Edmonton—his hometown—likely serving as his starting point. Dozens of MPs have reportedly pledged their support for Carney, making him a formidable contender.
Other declared candidates include backbench MPs Jaime Battiste and Chandra Arya, as well as former
With the entry deadline set for January 23 and the leadership vote scheduled for March 9, the Liberal Party is gearing up for a high-stakes contest that will shape its future direction.