Liberal Party of Canada announces French, English leadership debates in Montreal
The Liberal Party of Canada has just announced that they will be hosting two leadership debates, one in English and the other in French, in Montreal at the end of February. The French debate is scheduled for February 24th, while the English debate will follow on February 25th.
There are currently five candidates vying to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The contenders include Mark Carney, former governor of the Bank of Canada, Chrystia Freeland, former finance minister and deputy prime minister, Karina Gould, former House leader, Frank Baylis, former Liberal MP, and Ruby Dhalla, also a former Liberal MP. However, not all five candidates are guaranteed a spot on the debate stage, as there is a significant financial requirement to meet the week prior to the debates.
To be eligible to compete for the Liberal leadership and potentially become Canada’s next prime minister, candidates must pay a total of $350,000 in instalments. The first deadline for a payment of $125,000 was due by 5 p.m. on Friday, which all five candidates successfully fulfilled. This amount includes two initial payments of $50,000 each to kickstart their campaigns and gain access to the party’s membership list, with the final instalment of $125,000 due on February 17th.
In January, Chrystia Freeland urged the Liberal Party to hold four debates, two in English and two in French, to demonstrate readiness to defeat Pierre Poilievre. She emphasized the importance of allowing Canadians to witness the exchange of ideas and the future direction of the party and country without delay. Freeland’s open letter to her fellow competitors received widespread attention.
The Liberal Party is set to elect its new leader, who will also become Canada’s next prime minister, on March 9th. Stay tuned for updates on the leadership debates and the upcoming pivotal decision for the Liberal Party and the nation as a whole.
