Liberals aren’t popular in the West. But 3 likely leadership contenders can play up regional roots
Whoever emerges from the upcoming Liberal leadership race will face a formidable Conservative challenger with a populist message and deep connections to Alberta. This battle for the nation’s top political post has a distinctly western Canadian flavour, with three major figures tied to the region.
On Friday, CBC News reported that former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney is expected to formally announce his bid to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau late next week, backed by more than 30 MPs. Carney is seen as an outsider who could offer a fresh start for the party. While his name may evoke images of central banks and monetary policy, Carney’s roots tell a lesser-known story. Raised in Edmonton, Carney went to high school in the city before embarking on a career in finance. His Alberta upbringing has long fueled speculation he might seek a seat in Edmonton.
Former finance minister Chrystia Freeland also has Alberta roots, having been born in the small town of Peace River, Alta. with her father being a lawyer and farmer, and her mother being a Ukrainian who ran for the federal NDP in Edmonton during the 1988 federal election. Another major figure tied to the region is Christy Clark, who made her political mark in the West as a British Columbia premier, although her leadership ambitions are now being overshadowed by questions about her previous membership in the federal Conservative Party.
The Conservative challenger, Pierre Poilievre, looms large on the other side of the aisle. Although he has represented an Ottawa-area riding for 20 years, he was born in Calgary. At last summer’s Calgary Stampede, Poilievre leaned heavily into his local connections, showcasing his authenticity in the West that no other federal leader can match perhaps since Stephen Harper. Poilievre’s Alberta roots give him a unique advantage in the region.
The upcoming leadership race is expected to be heavily influenced by the issue of the carbon tax, which has become a polarizing topic in Canadian politics. Poilievre has made it a centrepiece of his demand for a “carbon tax election”, while Clark has already stated that she would scrap the tax if she becomes the next Liberal leader and prime minister. The nuances of the carbon tax policy, especially industrial carbon pricing, remain a complicated issue for the candidates to navigate.
The dynamics of the leadership race will also be influenced by the points-based system used, which can disproportionately benefit candidates with connections to regions where their party is less active. For the Liberal Party candidates like Clark, Carney, and Freeland, their western roots could play a significant role in gaining support from registered Liberals in the region.
In conclusion, the upcoming Liberal leadership race will be a fascinating test for the candidates as they navigate regional identities, policy positions, and personal connections to gain momentum in a national race. The battle between the Liberal and Conservative challengers with deep ties to Alberta will shape the future of Canadian politics and determine the direction of key policies such as the carbon tax.
