As more candidates join the race to become the next prime minister and Liberal leader, two candidates have the most support in this caucus.
Former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney announced his candidacy last week, and former cabinet ministers Chrystia Freeland and Karina Gould announced their candidacies over the weekend. They were all flanked by members of the Liberal caucus.
As of January 20, a total of six candidates have officially submitted their names to the party leadership race or announced their intention to run. Other candidates, Ontario Liberal MP Chandra Arya, Nova Scotia Liberal MP Jaime Batiste, and businessman and former Liberal MP Frank Bayliss have yet to garner significant support.
Freeland, a former deputy prime minister and finance minister, has the backing of at least 25 MPs and ministers, including Justice Minister Arif Virani and Health Minister Mark Holland.
Mr Carney has the backing of at least 21 MPs, including Foreign Secretary Melanie Joly.
freeland approval
Freeland, who resigned from the cabinet on December 16, formally announced his candidacy to replace Prime Minister Trudeau on January 17. Two days before the planned announcement, Mr Holland said in a statement that he was “fully supportive” of becoming party leader. He cited his experience in renegotiating NAFTA, negotiating with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and serving as deputy prime minister and finance minister.
Justice Minister Villani attended Freeland’s official campaign launch on January 20, along with Ontario Liberal MPs Ivan Baker, Jean Yip and Rob Oliphant.
Mr. Carney’s support
In endorsing Carney, Jolie said Carney brings “unparalleled economic experience” to the race and “a clear vision for a better, greener future for us, and the commitment to implement it.” He said on January 19 that he has “clear plans for this.”
The Quebec minister is known to have a large network within the province’s Liberal Party base. When Jolie announced on January 10 that she would not run for leadership, she said she would use her organizational skills to support candidates.
others
Gould, who began campaigning for leadership on January 19, has received support from Liberal Party MPs Pam Damoff and Lise Hoepfner, as well as former MPs. Deputy Prime Minister Sheila Copps.
Candidates must declare their intention to run and pay a $350,000 entry fee by January 23. The Liberal Party has announced that a new leader will be elected on March 9th.