Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation from both the posts of PM and leader of the Liberal Party. Trudeau's decision comes after months of internal challenges and demands for his removal. Despite stepping down, he plans to remain in office until a new leader gets elected.
Trudeau also confirmed that the Canadian Parliament will remain suspended until March 24, 2025, when a new party leader is expected to be elected. This leader will then guide the Liberal Party in the upcoming general elections.
Along with prominent Canadian leaders, two Indian-origin leaders, Anita Anand and George Chahal, have also emerged as major contenders for this position. If either Anita Anand or George Chahal becomes the Prime Minister, it is likely to strengthen India-Canada relations. Anita Anand has previously been active on many issues related to India.
Anita Anand, who is currently the Minister of Transport and Internal Trade of Canada, is considered the strongest contender to become the Prime Minister. Anita became an MP in 2019 and has also played an important role as Defence Minister in the Trudeau government. She played an important role in procuring vaccines and sending aid to Ukraine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Anita was born in Nova Scotia in 1967 to Indian parents. Her mother is from Punjab and father is from Tamil Nadu. Anita, who has also been a law professor, is also involved in the investigation of the Air India scandal.
Another Indian-origin leader, Alberta Liberal MP George Chahal, can also become the PM of Canada. Chahal has also made this request in a letter to his caucus colleagues last week.
Other major contenders:
Melanie Joly: Melanie Joly, currently the foreign minister, has been a key figure in Trudeau's cabinet since 2021. The 45-year-old lawyer has shown strong leadership during international crises, including the Israel-Hamas conflict and the evacuation of Canadian citizens.
Chrystia Freeland: Former journalist and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland had resigned from her position in December 2024, surprising many in Canada. Chrystia Freeland had also served as finance minister. Freeland has been a central figure in the Liberal Party since 2013 and has played an important role in trade and economic policies.
Governor Mark Carney: Mark Carney, a 59-year-old Harvard graduate and former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, has emerged as a potential successor. Although Carney has never held public office, he has advised Trudeau on economic matters and climate policies.
François-Philippe Champagne: Currently serving as Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, he has held various cabinet roles since entering politics in 2015. The 54-year-old has been part of Trudeau's economic team and has also had an important role in overseas operations for international trade.