Government Parliamentary Leader Karine Gould is configured to enter the Liberal leadership race, a source close to her confirmed to Global News.
Gould, who has been government House leader since 2023, said Tuesday, when asked if she was considering a run for leadership, that she would have “more to say in the coming days.”
The 37-year-old Burlington MP has been a member of government since 2015, when she was one of several newly elected Liberals when the party swept to power with a majority.
Before becoming Government House Leader, Gould served in several ministries, including as President of the Queen’s Privy Council, Minister of Democratic Institutions, Minister of International Development and Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.
Current Ontario Liberal MP Chandra Arya and former MP and Montreal businessman Frank Baylis are also candidates.
However, there is speculation that the three could soon be joined in the coming days by former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney and former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
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Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne is also expected to reveal his intentions on Tuesday. Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson has also indicated he is considering running, but has not made an announcement.
Nova Scotia MP Jaime Battiste said he is also considering running and would be the first Indigenous prime minister if he runs and wins the leadership.
Several ministers have also indicated that they will not run for this position, with Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, Labor Minister Steven MacKinnon and Transport Minister Anita Anand all stepping down this week. last.
Former British Columbia Premier Christy Clark also announced Tuesday she wouldn’t runsaying there is “simply not enough time to mount a successful campaign.”
THE leadership rules were announced last Thursdaysetting out the guidelines for what will be a race to determine not only the leader of the Liberals, but also who will sit as prime minister until the next election.
The rules require party members to register by Jan. 23, with an entry fee of $350,000.
For people to vote, they must become a registered member or supporter, with the deadline to become one and be able to vote being January 27.
The decision on who will lead the party and the country will take place on March 9.
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