Five Liberal Leadership Candidates Clear Final Payments Ahead of Debates

All five candidates vying to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the Liberal leadership race have confirmed their final $125,000 payments, clearing the final hurdle to remain in contention. The candidates, including Mark Carney, Chrystia Freeland, Frank Baylis, Ruby Dhalla, and Karina Gould, will face off in both English and French debates in Montreal next week as they roll out policy proposals on various issues. Carney leads the fundraising efforts with over $1.9 million raised from more than 11,000 donors, while Freeland's campaign reports being debt-free heading into the final weeks. The party will select its new leader on March 9, with candidates focusing on swaying voters before the debates. Elections Canada is expected to release additional fundraising figures soon to give more insight into the financial standings of each campaign.