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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned from his position as both the head of government and leader of the Liberal Party on January 6, ending a nearly decade-long tenure. Trudeau’s leadership, once celebrated for bringing fresh, youthful energy to Canadian politics, faced increasing challenges in recent years, including internal party dissent and public criticism over various issues.

Trudeau announced that he would remain in office until the Liberal Party elects a new leader. The search for his successor has already begun, with several high-profile party members considered to be frontrunners for the role.

Potential Successors:

Chrystia Freeland

Chrystia Freeland, a former cabinet colleague of Trudeau and a prominent figure within the Liberal Party, is viewed as a powerful contender. She served as Canada’s finance minister and was regarded as a key player in the Trudeau government. However, Freeland resigned in December 2024 after a public disagreement with Trudeau. Her departure, which came just ahead of a major economic address, sparked calls for Trudeau to step down.

Anita Anand



Anita Anand, a leader from the Indo-Canadian community, is another strong contender. The 57-year-old MP for Oakville has held several key roles in government, including defence minister and president of the Treasury Board. Anand, an Oxford University graduate, has a broad base of support, particularly within Canada's sizeable Indian diaspora.

Melanie Joly

Melanie Joly, currently serving as Canada’s foreign minister, is another potential candidate. Joly, 45, has held multiple cabinet positions and has been a prominent figure in Trudeau’s administration. Notably, she visited Ukraine several times to demonstrate Canada’s support in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Joly, also an Oxford University graduate, is seen as a strong and experienced leader within the party.

Mark Carney



Mark Carney, a former governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, is a potential contender despite not having held a public office in recent years. The 59-year-old Harvard graduate has a robust background in economics and has been an influential figure in international finance.

Francois-Philippe Champagne



Francois-Philippe Champagne, the current minister of innovation, science and industry, is another key Liberal Party figure. He has held several cabinet roles in the past, including positions in international trade and foreign affairs. Champagne, who was first elected in 2015, has gained significant political experience and is regarded as a strong candidate.

As the Liberal Party prepares to select its next leader, the race is expected to intensify, with several potential candidates vying to succeed Trudeau and lead Canada into its next political chapter.