Canada’s Liberal Party Chooses New Leader to Replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
OTTAWA: Canada’s Liberal Party is set to choose a former central banker and political novice as its next leader, replacing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as it confronts threats from US President Donald Trump.
The Contenders
Mark Carney, who served as the governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, is widely expected to be named the new Liberal leader when results from a vote of around 400,000 party members are announced later on Sunday. The other main challenger is Trudeau’s former deputy prime minister, Chrystia Freeland, who held several senior cabinet positions in the Liberal government that was first elected in 2015.
The Stakes
Whoever wins the vote will take over from Trudeau as prime minister, but will soon face a general election that polls currently show the rival Conservative Party as slight favourites to win. Carney has racked up endorsements, including from much of Trudeau’s cabinet, and a Freeland win would be a shock for the Liberals as they head towards a general election.
The Candidates’ Positions
Carney has argued that he is a seasoned economic manager, reminding voters that he led the Bank of Canada through the 2008-2009 financial crisis and steered the Bank of England through the turbulence that followed the 2016 Brexit vote. He has also emphasized his experience in climate-friendly technology and his commitment to defending Canada against Trump’s attacks.
The Polls
Data released from the Angus Reid polling firm on Wednesday shows Canadians see Carney as the favourite choice to face off against Trump, a trait that could offer the Liberals a boost over the opposition Conservatives. Forty-three percent of respondents said they trusted Carney the most to deal with Trump, with 34% backing Tory leader Pierre Poilievre. Most polls, however, still list the Tories as the current favourites to win the election, which must be held by October but could come within weeks.
The Challenges Ahead
Carney has never served in parliament or held an elected public office, which could prove a liability against a Conservative Party already running attack ads accusing him of shifting positions and misrepresenting his experience. However, he has positioned himself as a new voice untainted by Trudeau, who he has said did not devote enough attention to building Canada’s economy.
Conclusion
The new Liberal leader will face a daunting task in defending Canada against Trump’s attacks and leading the country through a general election. While Carney’s experience in the financial sector and his commitment to climate-friendly technology make him a strong candidate, his untested campaign skills and lack of political experience may prove a challenge in the face of a well-entrenched Conservative Party.
FAQs
- Who is Mark Carney?
Mark Carney is a former central banker and political novice who is expected to be named the new leader of the Liberal Party. - Who is Chrystia Freeland?
Chrystia Freeland is Trudeau’s former deputy prime minister and a senior cabinet minister in the Liberal government that was first elected in 2015. - What are the stakes in the election?
The winner of the election will take over as prime minister, but will soon face a general election that polls currently show the rival Conservative Party as slight favourites to win. - What are the key issues in the election?
The key issues in the election include the economy, climate change, and the relationship between Canada and the United States.