All 5 Liberal leadership candidates clear final financial hurdle, turn to policies ahead of debate

As the Liberal leadership race heats up, all five candidates have now paid the final $125,000 installment required to stay in the running. With English and French debates in Montreal approaching next week, the contenders are unveiling more policy proposals in an effort to win over Canadians and secure their support.

Former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney, considered the front-runner with over 80 endorsements from MPs and cabinet ministers, has pledged to run a deficit to invest in Canada’s economy while balancing operational spending over the next three years. He also supports the concept of a west-east oil pipeline and clean energy initiatives, as well as dismantling interprovincial trade barriers.

Chrystia Freeland, former finance minister and deputy prime minister, has positioned herself as a seasoned negotiator to take on U.S. President Trump and his tariff threats. She has vowed to implement dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs and has outlined a 10-point plan to address Canada’s housing crisis, including measures to increase affordable housing and lower credit card debt.

Karina Gould, former government House leader, has emphasized the need for stronger social supports in response to Trump’s tariffs. She has promised to widen eligibility for employment insurance and introduce a universal basic income program if elected. Gould has also proposed pausing increases on the consumer carbon tax and strengthening the powers of the Competition Bureau to address price gouging.

Montreal business leader Frank Baylis, the first candidate to declare his intent to replace Prime Minister Trudeau, has unveiled an energy security plan that includes establishing pipeline corridors for natural gas transportation and investing in renewable energy research. Baylis has also proposed government reforms, such as limiting terms for senators and MPs and redistributing power to MPs rather than party leaders.

Former MP Ruby Dhalla, billing herself as the outsider in the race, has garnered support for her vision for Canada. She has paid the $125,000 installment and is set to participate in the upcoming debates in Montreal.

With the race heating up and policy proposals being announced, Canadians will have the opportunity to hear from each candidate and decide who they believe is best suited to lead the Liberal Party and the country. The debates in Montreal will be a crucial moment for the candidates to make their case and sway voters to their side.