Voting has officially closed in the race to determine the next leader of Canada’s Liberal Party, with former central banker and political newcomer Mark Carney widely expected to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The leadership change comes as Canada faces increasing challenges from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Carney, who previously served as governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, is the frontrunner in the contest. The results are expected to be announced before 7:00 p.m. (2300 GMT). The Liberal Party confirmed that 151,899 members cast their votes before polls closed at 3:00 p.m.
Carney has garnered significant support, securing endorsements from much of Trudeau’s cabinet and a majority of Liberal Members of Parliament. His main rival, Chrystia Freeland, Trudeau’s former deputy prime minister and a key figure in his government since 2015, remains in contention. A surprise victory for Freeland could alter the party’s trajectory ahead of an election that must take place by October but could be called much sooner.
The winner of the leadership race will take over as prime minister in the coming days, officially bringing the Trudeau era to an end. However, with current polls showing the opposition Conservatives as slight favorites, the new leader may face a short tenure before the next federal election.
A Leadership Battle Shaped by Trump
Both Carney and Freeland have positioned themselves as the best candidate to stand up to Trump, whose rhetoric and trade policies have disrupted Canada’s economy. The U.S. president has repeatedly raised the prospect of annexing Canada and has introduced unpredictable tariffs, creating economic uncertainty.
Liberal supporters gathered in Ottawa on Sunday to await the results. Among them was Carney supporter Lozminda Longkines, who told AFP that Trump’s threats to absorb Canada into the U.S. had unexpectedly unified the country.
“We are so united… We have a common enemy,” said Longkines, 71.
Another attendee, Greg MacEachern, said the leadership race had become laser-focused on countering Trump’s influence.
“This is a serious time, and I think people have taken this leadership race very, very seriously,” he said, sporting a hockey jersey.
Carney has emphasized his credentials as a steady hand in times of crisis, citing his leadership at the Bank of Canada during the 2008-2009 financial collapse and his role at the Bank of England following the Brexit vote in 2016.
“Trump is attacking what we build. He is attacking what we sell. He is attacking how we earn our living,” Carney said at a campaign rally near Toronto on Friday. “We are facing the most serious crisis in our lifetime. Everything in my life has prepared me for this moment.”
A recent poll from Angus Reid found that 43% of Canadians see Carney as the best leader to take on Trump, compared to 34% who back Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.
The Liberal Party, once seen as headed for electoral disaster, has regained ground since Trudeau announced his resignation in January, with Trump’s actions fueling renewed political momentum.
Carney’s Political Inexperience Under Scrutiny
Carney, 59, built his fortune at Goldman Sachs before transitioning into public service. Since leaving the Bank of England in 2020, he has worked as a UN climate envoy and held private sector roles. However, he has never held elected office, a factor critics argue could be a liability in a high-stakes campaign against the Conservatives.
The opposition has already launched attack ads portraying Carney as inconsistent and inexperienced. Meanwhile, he has positioned himself as a fresh start for the party, distancing himself from Trudeau’s leadership, which he has criticized for not prioritizing economic growth.
In the coming days, Trudeau and the newly elected Liberal leader will meet with Governor General Mary Simon, the official representative of King Charles III in Canada, who will formally authorize the formation of a new government.
