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The Liberal Party of Canada is set to announce its new leader on March 9, 2025, following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent decision to step down after facing growing calls for his resignation. The party’s national board of directors finalized the leadership contest rules on Thursday, introducing updated voting eligibility requirements and a hefty entry fee for candidates.
Voting Eligibility Tightened
In a bid to ensure transparency and accountability, the Liberal Party has tightened its voting criteria. Eligible voters must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 14 years of age.
- Be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or hold status under the Indian Act.
- Not be a member of another federal political party.
- Support the purposes of the Liberal Party.
- While registered as a Liberal, not publicly declare an intention to run as a candidate for another party.
The deadline to become a party member or registered supporter is January 27, 2025, and voting will conclude on March 9, the same day the new leader will be announced.
Leadership Contest Details
The leadership race officially opened this month, with interested candidates required to register by January 23 and pay an entrance fee of $350,000—a significant increase from the $75,000 fee in previous contests.
So far, Ontario Liberal MP Chandra Arya and former Montreal MP Frank Baylis have declared their candidacy. Cabinet ministers like Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne, and Employment Minister Steven MacKinnon are reportedly considering entering the race. Former finance minister Chrystia Freeland is also said to be weighing her options.
Melanie Joly Opts Out
One of the most prominent figures in Canadian politics, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly, has officially announced that she will not run for Liberal Party leader. Speaking to reporters in Ottawa on Friday, Joly explained that her focus remains on her role as foreign affairs minister amid escalating tensions with the United States over trade tariffs.
In a statement on her social media platform, Joly said:
“While I know I am ready to become the first woman to lead the Liberal Party of Canada, I must also recognize that the current international situation, especially the unjustified threat of tariffs from the United States, requires my full attention. My priority is to defend Canada’s interests on the global stage.”
Joly’s decision follows that of Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who also announced this week that he would not enter the race.
Trudeau’s Departure and Future Challenges
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation has sparked a new chapter for the Liberal Party. Trudeau, who has led the party since 2013, stated:
“This country deserves a real choice in the next election. It has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.”
Parliament has been prorogued until March 24, 2025, to allow the leadership contest to conclude. However, recent polling suggests that the Liberal Party faces an uphill battle regardless of its new leader. An Ipsos poll indicates that 86% of Canadians support Trudeau’s decision to step down, but only 20% of respondents currently back the Liberals, with many citing “Trudeau fatigue” and a desire for change.
Looking Ahead
The new Liberal leader will take over as prime minister and will face the daunting task of rebuilding the party’s support ahead of the next federal election. Key figures like former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney and former finance minister Chrystia Freeland are seen as strong contenders to restore public confidence in the party.
As the March 9 announcement approaches, the race to succeed Trudeau promises to reshape Canada’s political landscape.
With files from The Canadian Press
