Chrystia Freeland says she’s running against the ‘Ottawa establishment’ in Liberal leadership race

Chrystia Freeland, a Liberal leadership hopeful, is making it clear that she is running against the “Ottawa establishment” in her bid for the party’s leadership. In a recent interview on CBC’s The House, Freeland emphasized the importance of grassroots support in her campaign. She expressed her desire for a change in the party and indicated that she is not the choice of the Liberal elites.

Freeland also took a swipe at her top rival, Mark Carney, the governor of the Bank of Canada, suggesting that he is the preferred candidate of the Prime Minister’s Office. Despite not providing concrete evidence, Freeland insinuated that Carney has the backing of the Liberal establishment. However, the PMO has maintained neutrality throughout the leadership race.

Carney has garnered more endorsements from Liberal caucus and cabinet members compared to Freeland, with 13 ministers backing his campaign, while Freeland has five. In response, Freeland outlined her vision for the Liberal Party, focusing on reviving grassroots democracy and implementing new processes for leadership reviews.

The former finance minister and deputy prime minister made headlines last December when she resigned from her position, citing a lack of support from the Prime Minister. Trudeau subsequently announced his resignation, setting the stage for the leadership race.

Freeland has positioned herself as a strong advocate for Canada’s interests, particularly in dealing with U.S. President Donald Trump. She emphasized the need to stand firm against Trump’s threats of economic force, proposing a specific retaliation plan targeting key U.S. exports. Freeland argued that showing strength and resilience in the face of Trump’s aggression is crucial for defending Canada’s sovereignty.

As the Liberal leadership race heats up, Freeland’s determination to challenge the status quo and prioritize grassroots support sets her apart from her competitors. With a clear focus on empowering party members and standing up for Canadian interests, Freeland is poised to shake up the political landscape and offer a fresh perspective to the Liberal Party.