Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry of Canada Francois-Philippe Champagne, left, jokes with former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney as they arrive for the Liberal caucus retreat in Nanaimo, B.C., on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
OTTAWA – Ontario Member of Parliament Chandra Arya says the Liberal party has informed him he’s out of the running to be its next leader.
Arya, who was the first to announce his candidacy to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, says he’s waiting on official communication from the Liberals and considering his next steps.
Arya says in a statement on social media that he believes the party’s decision raises “significant questions about the legitimacy of the leadership race.”
Liberal representatives did not immediately respond to questions about Arya’s candidacy.
He was one of seven people who submitted paperwork and a $50,000 deposit last week to enter the race.
The Liberals are set to choose the party’s next leader, and the next prime minister, on March 9.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 26, 2025.