After months of speculation and anti-incumbency pressures, Canada’s Liberal Party is set to announce its new leader today, replacing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ahead of the general elections later this year. The newly elected leader will take office as Canada’s Prime Minister after being sworn in by the Governor General, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape.
This leadership change follows Trudeau’s announcement in January of his intention to step down amid mounting caucus dissent and the resignation of then-Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. With the Liberal Party trailing Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives by over 20 points at the time, recent polls suggest the Liberals are regaining momentum — but the new leader will face intense pressure to sustain this resurgence.
The federal election is scheduled for October 20, though it could be called sooner depending on the new leader’s strategy.
Trudeau led the Liberal Party for over a decade, coming to power in 2015 with promises of “sunny ways” for Canada. Despite championing progressive causes like climate change action and addressing historic abuses against Indigenous communities, his later years were marked by rising economic dissatisfaction and political controversies, including Freeland’s abrupt resignation just before delivering a fiscal update.
Throughout the leadership campaign, candidates have distanced themselves from some of Trudeau’s policies — including the carbon tax and capital gains tax changes — while proposing their own solutions for Canada’s housing crisis and affordability issues.
After nearly two months of campaigning and two debates, thousands of registered Liberal members will cast their votes, with voting open until 3 pm ET today.
The leadership contenders include former central banker Mark Carney, former finance minister Chrystia Freeland, current MP and former House leader Karina Gould, and Montreal business leader and former MP Frank Baylis.
Mark Carney, 59, widely seen as the frontrunner, has positioned himself as a political outsider. A respected economist, Carney previously served as governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England and advised Trudeau’s government on economic policy. He also served as a United Nations special envoy on climate action and finance.
Chrystia Freeland, a prominent member of Trudeau’s inner circle, held several high-profile portfolios, including deputy prime minister and finance minister. Her surprise resignation from the cabinet over policy disagreements with Trudeau played a key role in his decision to step down.
Karina Gould, 37, has served in the Liberal government since her 2015 election to Parliament. She played a key role in implementing Canada’s national childcare program, which significantly reduced daycare costs for families.
Frank Baylis, a Montreal-area entrepreneur and former MP, brings extensive business experience and has focused his campaign on addressing Canada’s affordability crisis.
The leadership contest takes place against the backdrop of escalating tensions between Canada and the US, driven by the Trump administration’s threats of steep tariffs and inflammatory rhetoric toward Ottawa. With the federal election looming, the new Liberal leader’s ability to manage this international pressure will be a crucial test of their leadership.
As the Liberal Party gathers in Ottawa for the announcement, both outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and former Canadian PM Jean Chrétien are expected to address the crowd. Trudeau has indicated that the transition to his successor will happen in the coming days or weeks, with voting restricted to Canadian citizens and permanent residents due to concerns over foreign interference.
