Liberal leadership: Here’s where the candidates stand on key issues

The Liberal leadership race is heating up as the four candidates vying to become the next prime minister roll out their campaign promises. With the impending departure of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after nine years in office, the hopefuls are aiming to address key issues facing Canada.

One of the major concerns looming over the race is the threat posed by U.S. President Donald Trump and his talk of tariffs on Canadian goods. Former finance minister Chrystia Freeland is calling for a more aggressive stance, including dollar-for-dollar retaliation on tariffs and 100 per cent tariffs on Teslas. Former central banker Mark Carney supports retaliatory tariffs, while former House leader Karina Gould proposes a \”charm offensive\” to stave off tariffs. Former Liberal MP Frank Baylis advocates for a tough stance against Trump.

On the climate and energy front, all candidates have turned against the consumer carbon tax. Freeland promises to scrap the carbon tax and export liquefied natural gas. Carney plans to replace the carbon tax with an incentive program, while Gould suggests pausing the tax increase. Baylis aims to put a price on pollution in an intelligent way.

Addressing the cost of living, the candidates are focusing on reducing grocery prices, cutting taxes, and providing boosts to incomes. Freeland plans to cap credit card interest rates and lower grocery prices, while Carney hints at cutting taxes and boosting incomes. Gould proposes lowering the GST and expanding employment insurance, while Baylis advocates for increased funding for universities and large-scale capital projects.

When it comes to housing, all candidates are aiming to increase affordability. Freeland plans to tie immigration to housing availability and drop the GST on new homes. Carney aims to double new housing construction and scrap the GST for first-time homebuyers. Gould promises to expand co-operative housing and offer tax credits to first-time homebuyers, while Baylis supports aligning immigration targets with housing supply.

In terms of government spending, Freeland promises responsible use of tax dollars by reducing the cost of running government. Carney pledges to balance operating spending over the next three years and run a small deficit on capital spending. Gould plans to increase the corporate tax rate on profitable companies, while Baylis calls for prudent spending and eliminating the deficit.

All candidates support increasing defence spending to meet Canada’s commitment to NATO. Freeland and Gould aim to reach the two per cent of GDP target by 2027, while Carney suggests 2030 as his mark. Baylis commits to hitting the target but does not specify a timeline.

As the Liberal leadership race heads into its final stretch, the candidates continue to outline their plans to address key issues facing Canada. Voters will have the opportunity to choose the next leader who will shape the future of the country.