Liberals choose their leader today, after campaign defined by chaos of Trump administration

The Liberal Party is on the cusp of announcing its next leader, who will soon step into the role of prime minister amidst economic uncertainty and strained international relations. This pivotal moment not only marks a new era for the party but also signals the potential start of a federal election.

Tonight, CBC News will provide special coverage of this historic event starting at 4 p.m. ET. The contenders for the leadership position include Mark Carney, Chrystia Freeland, Karina Gould, and Frank Baylis. The decision to hold a leadership race was prompted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement of stepping down due to internal dissent within the caucus. The Liberals were lagging in the polls, but recent data indicates a resurgence in their popularity.

The candidates have distanced themselves from Trudeau-era policies, focusing on issues like housing affordability and economic stability. However, the overarching concern remains the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies on Canada. The ability to navigate this challenging terrain will be a key factor in selecting the new leader.

The voting process employs a ranked ballot system, with each riding contributing 100 points towards the total. The candidate must secure a majority of the points, with 17,151 being the threshold for victory. If no candidate reaches this mark in the initial round, the ballots will be recounted based on members’ second and subsequent preferences until a winner emerges.

Following the announcement of the new leader, the question of triggering a federal election will arise. The transition timeline remains uncertain, with Trudeau expected to remain in office until the handover. The voting process for the leadership race faced criticism for its complexity, with members encountering difficulties in verifying their identity.

Despite the challenges, the Liberal Party has emphasized the security and accessibility of the voting process. The outcome of tonight’s event will not only determine the party’s future direction but also have significant implications for Canadian politics as a whole. Stay tuned for updates as the Liberal Party ushers in a new era under its chosen leader.