The fight for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada has officially begun, with several contenders throwing their hats in the ring to unseat Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Idle No More co-founder Pam Palmater, who was first to announce her candidacy, has been followed by other potential candidates, including former Treasury Board President Mona Fortier, Quebec Deputy Premier Dominique Anglade, and Alberta Premier Jason Kenney.
As the party’s deadline for submissions approaches, a number of prominent Liberal MPs and senators are also reportedly considering entering the race, including Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos, Finance Minister Mark Carney, and others. Sources suggest that as many as a dozen or more candidates could ultimately enter the contest, which is expected to be a highly contentious and intense competition.
The chaotic end to Trudeau’s first mandate, marred by a series of high-profile scandals and controversies, has left many within the party wondering whether he can continue to hold on to the top job. Critics have pilloried him for his handling of everything from the WE Charity scandal to the handling of COVID-19 and the patronage appointments, and some hope a new face might bring a fresh start to the party.
While Trudeau’s supporters point to his progressive policies and international reputation, his detractors see a leader who has become complacent, autocratic, and out of touch with the concerns of everyday Canadians. The upcoming campaign will be a test of the party’s ability to unite behind a new leader and reinvent themselves in time for the next election, writes the National Post.
Pam Palmater and others who are already in the fray have ambitious plans, ranging from a more centralized approach to decision-making, to greater emphasis on Indigenous issues, to refocusing the party’s economic agenda on workers and small businesses. The would-be successors will be looking to capitalize on Trudeau’s unpopularity and offer a new vision for a party that, last time around, won a commanding majority in parliament.