Liberal Party to Elect New Leader and Prime Minister-Designate

The Liberal Party of Canada will elect a new leader and prime minister-designate on Sunday from a field of four candidates. The winner will inherit a country facing economic uncertainty, especially if U.S. President Donald Trump imposes 25% tariffs on Canadian imports, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency

Outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose popularity has plummeted in recent polls, announced he would step down after a decade in office once a new leader is chosen. His departure has led to a significant rebound in public support for the Liberals, narrowing the opposition Conservatives' lead.

The Candidates

The new leader, chosen through an online vote, will take office after a brief transition and could soon face a federal election triggered by a no-confidence vote. The four contenders are:

• Mark Carney, former Governor of the Bank of Canada and current frontrunner.

• Chrystia Freeland, former Deputy Prime Minister.

• Karina Gould, ex-Cabinet minister.

• Frank Baylis, former Member of Parliament.

The Voting Process

Registered Liberal members, approximately 400,000 as of January 30, will vote online until Sunday at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Canada’s 343 Liberal ridings will allocate points based on votes received. If no candidate secures over 50% in the first round, the lowest-scoring candidate is eliminated, and their points are redistributed.

The winner will be announced later Sunday, with U.S. tariffs expected to be the new leader’s top priority.