Justin Trudeau has stepped down as Canada's Prime Minister and the leader of the governing Liberal Party after nine years. Ahead of the October 2025 general elections, a new leader must be elected to represent the Liberal Party. While the statistics aren't favourable, here are some top contenders who are expected to enter the leadership race:
Chrystia Freeland
After her abrupt resignation in December, Canada's former deputy prime minister is all set to join the race as a prominent figure. In her very public resignation letter, Freeland criticised Trudeau for insufficiently handling Donald Trump's threat to levy US tariffs on Canadian goods as a leader, which may have contributed to his eventual step down as a leader. Born to a Ukrainian mother, Freeland was a journalist before entering politics.
As Minister of Foreign Affairs, her remarkable contribution helped Canada renegotiate a free trade deal with the US and Mexico.
She later became deputy prime minister and minister of finance, thus the first woman to hold the job. Her work included overseeing Canada's financial response to the Covid pandemic.
Anita Anand
An Oxford-educated lawyer with expertise in financial market regulation and corporate governance, Anand is recognized as a visionary and ambitious leader. In December, she transitioned to the roles of Transport Minister and Minister of Internal Trade. As Canada's Defence Minister since 2021, she led efforts to support Ukraine amid its war with Russia. She tackled a personnel crisis in the Canadian Armed Forces due to sexual misconduct scandals.
Anand, the daughter of an Indian immigrant physician, swiftly secured PPE and medical supplies for Canada’s healthcare system. Her aggressive procurement strategy and engagement with diverse suppliers ensured reliable access to PPE in a hyper-competitive global market.
Mélanie Joly
As a foreign minister, Joly’s frequent visits to Ukraine and Jordan made her a familiar face on the global stage. She has been central to major foreign policy challenges, including the diplomatic crisis over the alleged assassination of a Sikh separatist by Indian agents. Her work ethic is highly appreciated by her peers, making her an ideal contender. The Oxford-educated lawyer has represented Canada on the world stage since 2021.
Christy Clark
Clark served as British Columbia’s leader from 2011 to 2017, balancing environmental priorities with energy industry development. In interviews, she labelled Trudeau a "drag" on the Liberals and expressed interest in shaping the party’s future if Trudeau steps down.
Fluency in French is vital for federal politicians in Canada, and Radio Canada reports that Clark is currently taking French lessons which may indicate her interest in taking a leadership position in the party.
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