Liberal Party Prepares for Leadership Race as Trudeau Resigns

Justin Trudeau’s resignation sets the stage for a March 9 leadership contest, with the next leader inheriting a fragile minority government and challenging electoral prospects.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on January 6, triggering the Liberal Party's leadership race to select his successor by March 9.
The new Liberal leader will become Canada’s 24th prime minister and face an uphill battle to restore party support in an upcoming election, with current polling showing significant challenges against the Conservatives.
Leadership race rules require candidates to pay a $350,000 entry fee, with voting eligibility limited to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and those registered as Liberals by January 27.
Key potential candidates include former finance minister Chrystia Freeland, Ontario MP Chandra Arya, and former MP Frank Baylis, with several cabinet ministers also considering bids.
The transition comes during a precarious minority Parliament, raising concerns about the party’s stability and its ability to maintain power in a likely near-term federal election.