Canada: Trudeau's Successor To Be Declared On This Date After Liberal Party's Nationwide Leadership Vote

The Liberal Party of Canada will hold leadership poll to choose Justin Trudeau's successor after his resignation announcement. The race comes as the Liberals are trailing the Conservatives ahead of polls.

File Photo of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Source : PTI

The Liberal Party of Canada has announced that a nationwide leadership vote to select Justin Trudeau's successor will conclude on 9 March 2025, with the new leader being revealed on the same day. The decision comes after Trudeau, facing mounting internal dissent and growing public criticism, declared his intention to resign before the next national elections, due by October 2025.  

In a statement released late Thursday, Liberal Party president Sachit Mehra said, "After a robust and secure nationwide process, the Liberal Party of Canada will choose a new leader on 9 March and be ready to fight and win the 2025 election."  

Mehra further emphasised the significance of the leadership transition, urging party members to participate actively. "This is a time for Liberals across the country to exchange ideas and engage in thoughtful debate to shape the future of our party and our country – and I encourage all Liberals to get involved in this exciting moment for our party," he added, as quoted by news agency AFP.  

Candidates vying for the leadership role must declare their participation by 23 January and pay an entrance fee of Can$350,000 (approximately US$243,000), the party's statement noted.  

Trudeau, who has been in power for nearly a decade, will remain as interim Prime Minister until his successor is chosen. His decision to step down follows a decline in support within his party, triggered by increasing public dissatisfaction over the rising cost of living.  

Liberals Trail Behind Conservatives By Over 20 Points In Polls

Polls indicate that Trudeau's Liberals are trailing the opposition Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, by more than 20 points, AFP reported. Concerns over the party’s minority government being overturned by a vote of no confidence prompted Trudeau to suspend parliament until 24 March.  

The leadership race has already seen two prominent contenders emerge: Chrystia Freeland, Trudeau's former deputy who resigned in December 2024, and Mark Carney, an ex-governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England.  

Trudeau’s departure marks a significant turning point for the Liberal Party as it braces for a challenging election battle against a resurgent Conservative Party.