Key Liberal Figures Decline Leadership Race as Trudeau's Exit Reshapes Canadian Politics

Several high-profile Liberal politicians, including Anita Anand and Steven MacKinnon, have ruled out leadership bids ahead of the March 9 vote to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation earlier this month, with the Liberal Party set to choose his successor on March 9, 2025.
Transport Minister Anita Anand confirmed she will not run for Liberal leadership or seek re-election, opting to return to academia after completing her current parliamentary term.
Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon also declined to enter the leadership race, citing the short timeline as a barrier to running the campaign he envisioned.
Other notable figures, including Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly and Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, have similarly opted out of the leadership contest.
Former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney and ex-Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland are emerging as potential frontrunners, with Carney expected to formally announce his candidacy soon.