Potential replacements for Justin Trudeau as leader of Liberal Party

With Trudeau’s nine-year stint as prime minister ending, several politicians are frontrunners to take over his role

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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that he will step down in the coming months, ending his nine-year tenure amid growing dissatisfaction over his handling of issues such as rising food and housing costs, as well as immigration.

The decision follows mounting pressure from within his own Liberal Party, spurred by the party's disastrous pre-election polling numbers. Trudeau, 53, the son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, will remain in office until the party selects a new leader.

The resignation comes after a series of setbacks, including the departure of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland last month, one of Trudeau's closest allies. With a federal election looming by October, the Liberal Party now faces a leadership vacuum.

Here are some frontrunners who could replace Trudeau:

Chrystia Freeland

Freeland, 56, who served as Canada's finance minister, is widely considered the early frontrunner. A former journalist and the first woman to hold the finance portfolio, Freeland has played a pivotal role in shaping Canada's economic policies, including negotiations for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). However, tensions with Trudeau over policy direction, particularly on tariffs with the US, led to her resignation. Her leadership could be seen as a stable alternative for the Liberals.

Mark Carney

Carney, 59, a highly respected economist and former governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, is another potential contender. Carney's experience in global finance and his handling of the 2008 financial crisis have earned him a reputation as a tough regulator. Although he lacks political experience, Carney has expressed interest in entering politics and could secure a seat in Parliament if he runs for leadership.

Dominic LeBlanc

A close ally of Trudeau, LeBlanc, 57, is currently serving as Canada's finance minister after Freeland's departure. LeBlanc has held multiple key roles in the government, including minister for fisheries and oceans, and has worked closely with Trudeau for years. His longstanding relationship with the prime minister and his experience in various cabinet positions could make him a viable leader.

Melanie Joly

The 45-year-old Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joly has played a prominent role in international diplomacy, notably in handling relations with the US. A staunch Trudeau supporter, Joly's leadership could help the party retain its position in the international arena. However, she faces legal challenges related to military equipment exports to Israel, which could complicate her bid for leadership.

Francois-Philippe Champagne

At 54, Champagne is currently the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and has served in various other cabinet positions. Known for his strong stance against US tariffs, Champagne's diplomatic acumen and experience in trade negotiations could position him as a strong contender.

The Road Ahead for the Liberals

While polls currently suggest a Conservative victory under leader Pierre Poilievre, the choice of a new Liberal leader could shift the political landscape. However, political analysts are skeptical about the Liberals' chances of regaining ground in the short term, as the party lags far behind the Conservatives in the polls.

According to McGill University professor Daniel Beland, while Trudeau’s resignation might offer a temporary boost to the Liberals, the timing leaves little room for the new leader to prepare for an early election. Despite this, the leadership transition could at least provide a brief respite for the party, with the new leader likely taking the helm just in time for the looming election campaign.

With Trudeau's departure, Canada is bracing for a new chapter in its political landscape. The question now is who will be able to unite the Liberal Party and reverse its fortunes ahead of the October election.