Liberal leadership candidates assemble in Montreal for French debate

By Canadian Press on February 24, 2025.

OTTAWA — Candidates for the leadership of the federal Liberal party are gathering tonight in Montreal for the first of two debates.

Former central banker Mark Carney, former finance minister Chrystia Freeland, former government House leader Karina Gould and former MP Frank Baylis are competing to succeed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the top job.

Former TVA-Québec anchor Pierre Jobin is moderating tonight’s French-language debate.

With little time remaining until voting begins and just two weeks before the winner is announced, these debates will be the only opportunities Liberal supporters get to see the candidates together.

Advance voting opens Wednesday for party members.

The winner of the race, to be announced March 9, will replace Trudeau as both Liberal leader and prime minister, though a general election call is widely expected soon after the votes are counted.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 24, 2025.

Nick Murray and Kyle Duggan, The Canadian Press

12
-11