In the wake of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's announcement regarding his intention to resign, interest in the leadership position of the Liberal Party of Canada has surged. Several individuals have already indicated that they are contemplating a bid for the leadership role, although the official race cannot commence until the party finalizes the election rules and the procedures for candidates to submit their fees and paperwork.
One prominent figure expressing interest is MP Anita Anand. A source close to the Transport Minister confirmed to 680 NewsRadio that she is seriously considering entering the race. Anand has had a significant impact during her over five years in Parliament, having initially been elected to represent the Oakville riding in 2019. Her experience includes serving as the Minister of Public Services and Procurement during the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by her role as the Minister of National Defence until 2023. She then held the position of President of the Treasury Board before being appointed as Transport Minister.
Frank Baylis, a former Montreal MP, has publicly declared his intention to run. In an interview with The Hill Times, he confirmed his candidacy. Baylis was first elected in 2015 but did not seek re-election in 2019. He currently serves as the Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Baylis Medical Technologies, a family business established in the early 1980s, where he was president from 1989 to 2015.
Another potential candidate is Mark Carney, the former Governor of the Bank of Canada. Carney expressed that he is encouraged by the support he has received and is taking the time to consider his decision with his family over the coming days. Recently, he has chaired a Liberal task force focused on economic growth. His supporters regard him as a strong contender, particularly in light of the growing concerns regarding the cost of living and government spending in Canada. The Conservative Party has already targeted Carney for scrutiny, calling for his appearance before a parliamentary committee to address his views on fiscal policy.
Meanwhile, MP François-Philippe Champagne, who is currently the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, has also confirmed his consideration of a leadership bid. Champagne stated his intent to engage with various stakeholders as he awaits the finalization of the leadership race rules. Having been a Member of Parliament since 2015, his cabinet experience includes roles as the Minister of International Trade, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2019 to 2021.
House Leader Karina Gould is reportedly giving serious thought to running for leadership. Although she has only held her position since July 2023, Gould has been an MP since her election in 2015. Throughout her political career, she has served in various capacities, including as the Minister of Democratic Institutions and Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.
MP Melanie Joly, who currently serves as the Foreign Affairs Minister, is another name in consideration. According to reports from 680 NewsRadio Toronto, she is engaging with party members and evaluating her options for a leadership bid. Since 2015, Joly has represented the Montreal area and held various ministerial roles, starting with Minister of Canadian Heritage and then leading the Ministry of Tourism, Official Languages, and La Francophonie before becoming Foreign Affairs Minister in 2021.
Lastly, MP Steven MacKinnon, the Labour Minister, is also leaning towards a leadership candidacy. Sources indicated to 680 NewsRadio that MacKinnon is seriously contemplating a run. The Gatineau MP has been in Parliament since 2015 and has held the position of Chief Government Whip since 2021, in addition to serving as the interim House Leader during Karina Gould's maternity leave.
This list is expected to evolve as more candidates announce their intentions.
