The Liberal Party of Canada has officially announced the dates for its leadership debates, as the race to determine Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s successor enters its final stretch.
The two official debates will take place in Montreal, with:
- The French-language debate scheduled for February 24
- The English-language debate scheduled for February 25
These debates, set less than two weeks before the party selects its next leader on March 9, will provide Liberal members and supporters with an opportunity to hear directly from candidates on key policies and their vision for the party’s future.
The Liberal leadership contest has drawn five high-profile contenders, including:
- Chrystia Freeland – Former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister
- Karina Gould – Current Liberal MP and former Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development
- Ruby Dhalla – Former Liberal MP
- Frank Baylis – Former Liberal MP and business leader
- Mark Carney – Former Governor of the Bank of Canada and international economist
Freeland, who had previously advocated for four debates to allow for greater discussion on policy differences, will now face her opponents in these two nationally broadcasted events.
The leadership election will take place on March 9, 2025, with approximately 400,000 registered Liberal supporters eligible to cast their vote, according to party officials.
To formally enter the race, candidates must secure $125,000 by mid-February as part of the $350,000 entry fee, a threshold set by the party to ensure serious contenders.
A recent Nanos Research poll conducted for CTV News indicated that Mark Carney leads among potential candidates in public confidence regarding his ability to negotiate with U.S. President Donald Trump. The survey asked respondents to choose between Carney, Freeland, Gould, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, but did not include other candidates.
The upcoming debates will serve as a crucial moment in the race, allowing candidates to differentiate themselves on policy, leadership style, and vision for Canada’s future.
For more information on the leadership race and how to participate, visit the Liberal Party of Canada’s official website.