Liberal Leadership Race Deadline Approaches for Candidates

The Liberal Party is actively engaged in discussions on Parliament Hill as it seeks a replacement for outgoing leader Justin Trudeau, with a deadline approaching for candidates to secure new members who can vote. Candidates have until February 17 to pay a significant entry fee of $350,000, following the recent cutoff for filing registration papers, which means no new challengers can enter the race. The potential leaders include former central banker Mark Carney, current Liberal MPs Chrystia Freeland, Karina Gould, Jaime Battiste, Chandra Arya, and former MPs Frank Baylis and Ruby Dhalla. Notably, Mi'kmaw chiefs have expressed their support for Jaime Battiste, who aims to be Canada's first Indigenous prime minister. Carney has also started a campaign by releasing a video emphasizing his experience during critical moments like the 2008 recession. As the leadership contest heats up, candidates are actively working to consolidate support among Liberal MPs.