Former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland has begun consulting with colleagues about leading Canada’s Liberal Party, as the governing party announced plans on Thursday for a March 9 vote to select Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s successor.
Freeland, whose resignation from cabinet last month precipitated Trudeau’s downfall, served as Canada’s chief negotiator with the Trump administration during his first term. US President-elect Trump labeled her “totally toxic” after she departed from Trudeau’s cabinet.
The Liberals face their deepest political crisis in years, with recent Abacus Data polling showing them at just 20% support compared to the Conservatives’ 47%. Opposition parties threaten to topple the minority government through a no-confidence vote when Parliament returns March 24.
Former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney has also emerged as a potential frontrunner, saying he is considering a bid after receiving encouragement from supporters.
The Liberal Party set a January 23 deadline for candidates to declare, with an entry fee of $350,000. The party also announced tighter voting rules following concerns about foreign interference in nomination processes.
Trudeau will remain prime minister until the new leader is chosen, though his successor could face one of the shortest terms in Canadian history if the government falls in late March.
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