Gould says Trump won’t listen to journalists and central bankers in swipe at Liberal leadership rivals

Karina Gould, fresh off her Liberal leadership bid announcement, wasted no time in pointing out that her main opponents, Chrystia Freeland and Mark Carney, may not have the right backgrounds to win over U.S. president-elect Donald Trump. In an interview on CBC’s Rosemary Barton Live, Gould stated, “I’m not sure that journalists and central bankers are the kind of people that Donald Trump listens to.”

Freeland, a former journalist and editor, and Carney, the former governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, are vying for the position to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. With Trump’s impending inauguration, the stakes are high as he threatens to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods, a move that could have severe repercussions on the Canadian economy.

Gould, who officially launched her campaign recently, emphasized the need for a strong leader who is not afraid to stand up to bullies. She believes that Canadians are looking for someone who understands their struggles and can address their concerns effectively. Despite her cabinet experience, Gould acknowledged that the Liberal Party has lost touch with the grassroots and needs to refocus on issues that matter to Canadians.

In terms of policy differences, Gould hinted at replacing the consumer carbon tax, a controversial environmental initiative, with a more affordable alternative. She aims to address climate change in a way that resonates with Canadians and helps them reduce emissions without imposing undue financial burdens.

At 37, Gould could potentially become the youngest prime minister in Canadian history if she wins the leadership race. Her age is seen as an asset, bringing fresh energy and a long-term vision to the table. As a trailblazer who took maternity leave while serving as a cabinet minister, Gould has a unique perspective on family and social issues, including the successful implementation of the national child-care program.

The Liberal Party is set to choose its next leader, and consequently, Canada’s next prime minister, on March 9. Candidates have until January 23 to declare their candidacy, with registration for voting in the leadership race open until January 27. Other contenders for the top Liberal job include Jaime Battiste, Chandra Arya, and Frank Baylis. The race for leadership is heating up, with each candidate vying to lead the party in a new direction that resonates with Canadians.