The federal Liberals have embarked on their first leadership race in more than a decade, following Justin Trudeau’s resignation as party leader. Candidates had until 5 p.m. ET on January 23 to declare their candidacy and submit a $50,000 deposit towards a $350,000 entry fee. The winner will be announced on March 9.
Here’s a breakdown of the candidates:
Who’s In
Chandra Arya
The MP for Nepean, first elected in 2015, was the first Liberal caucus member to declare his candidacy. Arya has stated that he does not believe French is essential for a prime minister and has proposed abolishing the monarchy. He opposes Trudeau’s carbon pricing system and brings a background as a former technology executive. Arya, 61, has officially submitted his candidacy paperwork.
Jaime Battiste
The 46-year-old Cape Breton MP and chair of the Liberal Indigenous caucus became the first Mi’kmaw lawmaker elected to Parliament in 2019. Battiste plans to champion First Nations policing funding and revisit the $47.8 billion reform proposal for First Nations child welfare. A champion powwow dancer and award-winning musician, Battiste has officially entered the race.
Frank Baylis
A businessman and former Liberal MP for Montreal, Baylis was the first candidate to announce his candidacy on social media. He previously sold his company, Baylis Medical Company Inc., for $1.75 billion. Baylis, 62, has paid his deposit, filed his paperwork, and garnered over 1,000 signatures supporting his bid.
Mark Carney
The former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor launched his campaign in Edmonton on January 16. Born in Fort Smith, N.W.T., and raised in Edmonton, Carney has positioned himself as a “Northerner and a Westerner” with a technocratic background. Carney, 59, has received endorsements from several high-profile Liberals, including cabinet ministers, and has formally submitted his paperwork.
Michael Clark
Clark, a self-described Christian community organizer and businessman, is campaigning to position the Liberal Party as pro-life. His candidacy is confirmed on his campaign website, but it remains unclear if he has submitted the necessary paperwork.
Ruby Dhalla
The former MP for Brampton entered the race late. Dhalla, 50, served as an MP from 2004 to 2011 and was part of the Paul Martin government. She has announced her candidacy on social media and confirmed that her paperwork has been submitted.
Chrystia Freeland
The former finance minister and longtime Trudeau ally declared her candidacy on January 17. Freeland, 56, left cabinet in December after a public fallout with Trudeau. Known for her role in steering the national child care program and Canada’s pandemic response, Freeland’s candidacy is backed by several prominent MPs and cabinet ministers. Her paperwork has been filed.
Karina Gould
At 37, Gould is the youngest candidate in the race and is known for her work on the national child care program. She launched her campaign on January 19 and has received endorsements from MPs Lisa Hepfner and Pam Damoff. Gould has officially submitted her candidacy paperwork.
Who’s Out
Anita Anand
The transport minister and MP for Oakville announced on January 11 that she would not enter the race and would not seek re-election.
François-Philippe Champagne
The industry minister, MP for Saint-Maurice—Champlain, opted out on January 14 to focus on protecting Canadian industries from U.S. trade threats.
Christy Clark
The former B.C. Liberal premier withdrew her candidacy on January 14, citing insufficient time to build a successful campaign.
Mélanie Joly
The foreign affairs minister, 46, chose not to run, citing her commitment to her diplomatic role amid rising U.S. tariffs. Joly has endorsed Mark Carney.
Dominic LeBlanc
A close ally of Trudeau and interim finance minister, LeBlanc announced on January 8 that he would not seek the leadership, citing trade threats and party unity.
Steven MacKinnon
The labour minister, 58, withdrew on January 12, citing insufficient time to mount a campaign.
Jonathan Wilkinson
The energy minister and B.C. MP, known for his work on climate policies, opted out on January 17. Wilkinson, 59, endorsed Carney and emphasized the need for fresh leadership.