Who will step into Trudeau’s shoes?

After leading the Liberal Party for 12 years, Justin Trudeau, Canada’s current Prime Minister, stunned the country when he announced his resignation during a press conference on Monday. 

This decision has immediately sparked the race for his successor, with many now wondering who will be the next leader of the Liberal Party and, potentially, the next Prime Minister of Canada.

As the largest party in Canada’s House of Commons, the leader of the Liberal Party is widely expected to take over as Prime Minister. 

This has set the stage for a significant political battle, and while no official candidates have stepped forward yet, a few prominent names are already being discussed.

“The Liberal Party will choose its successor through a vote of the members,” said Justin Trudeau, leaving the process open to party members to decide.

While the race for leadership has yet to fully unfold, here are some of the key figures who could be in the running to take over from Trudeau.

Chrystia Freeland: The Former Deputy PM Eyeing the Top Spot?

Chrystia Freeland, the former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, was at the center of a political storm last month when she resigned from her post amid heavy criticism. 

However, she has yet to reveal the full reasons behind her decision to step down. Speculation is growing that Freeland may be preparing to run for the leadership of the Liberal Party, a move that could mark the next chapter in her political career.

Before entering politics, Freeland had an impressive career in journalism, serving as the senior editor for The Globe and Mail in Toronto, and later working at The Financial Times and Reuters. 

In 2013, she returned to Canada to join the Liberal Party. Since then, she has played a key role in addressing major issues under the Trudeau government, making her a powerful figure within the party.

Dominic LeBlanc: A Close Ally with Deep Roots in Politics

Dominic LeBlanc, who stepped in as Canada’s Finance Minister following Freeland’s departure, is another potential contender. LeBlanc, a longtime friend of Justin Trudeau, has been involved in Canadian politics for years. 

In fact, he has known the Trudeau family for decades, with his father, Romeo LeBlanc, serving as Pierre Elliott Trudeau’s press secretary when he was Prime Minister. Romeo later became Canada’s Governor-General.

Dominic LeBlanc entered Parliament in 2000 and held several important roles before becoming the Finance Minister. 

His long-standing relationship with the Trudeau family and his experience in government make him a strong contender for the leadership.

Melanie Joly: Canada’s Diplomatic Powerhouse

Melanie Joly, who has been serving as Canada’s Foreign Minister since 2021, is another name often mentioned in the leadership discussions. Joly has made her mark as one of Canada’s top diplomats and has been a significant player in shaping the country’s foreign policy. It was Justin Trudeau himself who encouraged her to take on this role to boost her political career.

Under Joly’s leadership, Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy gained traction, and she has also been involved in high-profile diplomatic actions, such as expelling six Indian diplomats from Canada. 

She has faced numerous challenges, including handling foreign interference allegations, particularly involving China and India.

Mark Carney: A Financial Heavyweight Who Could Join the Race

Mark Carney, former Governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, is also seen as a potential candidate. After his tenure at the Bank of England, Carney’s name has been linked to Canadian politics, with reports suggesting that Justin Trudeau privately considered offering him the Finance Minister position after Freeland’s resignation. 

Carney, who has a wealth of experience in global finance, is now reportedly seeking advice from Liberal Party members about possibly running for the leadership.

The Future of Canadian Politics Is Wide Open

As the political landscape shifts following Trudeau’s announcement, these figures are just a few of the potential leaders who could step up. 

With the Liberal Party now facing an important decision, the next few months are sure to bring more clarity on who will take on the mantle of leadership. 

Whoever succeeds Trudeau will likely have a significant impact on the future direction of Canada, both domestically and internationally.

Stay tuned as this exciting political drama unfolds.