Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced on Tuesday he will not seek to replace Justin Trudeau as Liberal Party leader, saying he will focus on defending Canadian interests amid looming US trade tensions.
“This was one of the most difficult decisions of my life, but the right one at the right time,” Champagne told a Canadian Club Toronto fireside chat, pledging to “defend Canada, to defend Canadians, to defend Canadian businesses.”
Champagne, who has served as innovation minister since 2021 after holding foreign affairs and trade portfolios, did not commit to running in this year’s federal election when asked.
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House Leader Karina Gould is expected to announce her bid this week, according to a source familiar with her plans. Former MP Frank Baylis and backbencher Chandra Arya have declared their candidacies.
Champagne emphasized that the next Liberal leader should be bilingual and represent all regions of Canada. He will join the Canadian delegation attending Trump’s January 20 inauguration in Washington, saying Canada must keep its “elbows up” while maintaining its position as a “strategic partner.”
The Liberal Party has set a $350,000 entrance fee for leadership candidates. Several high-profile figures including ministers Anita Anand, Steve MacKinnon, Dominic LeBlanc, and Melanie Joly have opted not to run.
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