TORONTO — Former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s campaign launch for the role of Canada’s next prime minister faced significant interruptions from pro-Palestinian demonstrators and an unexpected endorsement for her rival. Freeland’s recent resignation from her position contributed to a major shift in Canada’s political landscape, ultimately leading to Justin Trudeau stepping down as both prime minister and leader of the Liberal Party. Now, Freeland is vying to become the leader of the Liberal Party while simultaneously pursuing the position of prime minister.
As Freeland began her address at a children’s club in Toronto, a group of about twelve protesters erupted in chants of “Free Palestine!” during various moments of her speech. Security personnel swiftly removed the demonstrators, only for another to step in and continue the disruptions. Outside, protesters pounded on doors and maintained their vocal opposition. The interruptions prolonged Freeland’s speech to nearly two hours. The demonstrators expressed that their actions were part of a “rolling protest,” demanding an end to Canada’s perceived complicity in what they described as the genocide of Palestinians, stating that they had sought to engage with Freeland for 15 months without success.
“I will not be intimidated, and I won’t be backing down,” Freeland asserted. “Canadians won’t tolerate this. People can have differing opinions, but silencing others is not acceptable, nor can it undermine our democracy.”
Right before Freeland took to the stage, Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly publicly voiced her support for former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney as the next Liberal leader and prime minister through a post on social media. Joly believes Carney is the most capable contender to challenge Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre in the upcoming election and can manage the anticipated trade challenges from President-elect Donald Trump, who has threatened to implement extensive tariffs on Canadian goods.
Carney, who led Canada’s central bank through the turbulent times of the 2008 financial crisis, also played a significant role in guiding the U.K. through the ramifications of Brexit during his tenure at the Bank of England. Joly praised Carney’s exceptional economic acumen, stating, “Mark brings with him unmatched experience that governments turn to during crises, such as the 2008 financial collapse and Brexit.”
Both Freeland and Carney are considered front-runners for the Liberal leadership, alongside former Government House leader Karina Gould, who has also declared her candidacy. While Joly was thought to be a potential candidate for the leadership herself, she opted not to run in order to assist the government with trade negotiations involving Trump. Her backing is anticipated to be advantageous for Carney, particularly in Quebec, which is her home province.
Freeland’s resignation from Trudeau’s cabinet on December 16 highlighted her growing dissatisfaction with some of the prime minister’s economic decisions amid the pressure from Trump’s tariff threats. This sudden move surprised many in Canada and raised speculation about Trudeau’s diminishing support both within the party and among the public.
The possibility of a new Liberal leader comes at a precarious time, with all three opposition parties indicating their intent to topple the minority government in a no-confidence vote scheduled when parliament reconvenes on March 24. An election is widely anticipated in the upcoming spring. Trudeau also announced his resignation on January 6 following dwindling support from both party members and the wider electorate.
Freeland’s campaign is unfolding amidst tense relations with the United States, particularly in light of Trump’s frequent remarks about Canada being akin to the 51st state along with his threats of imposing tariffs. In her speech, Freeland firmly addressed these concerns, saying, “If you strike us, we are prepared to retaliate.” Moreover, she promised that, if she were to take on the role of prime minister, the response to any illegal or unjustified tariffs would be a reciprocal measure. “We will respond dollar-for-dollar,” she declared. “Should you compel us, expect the most significant trade setback that the United States has experienced.”
Following her resignation, Trump labeled Freeland as “totally toxic” and not conducive to negotiations. Previously, she was a pivotal figure in renegotiating the free trade agreement involving the U.S., Canada, and Mexico during Trump’s first term in office. Freeland and Trudeau’s disagreements extended to two recently introduced financial policies regarding a short-term sales tax holiday and direct payments to citizens. Freeland criticized these as “costly political gimmicks,” emphasizing that fiscal responsibility was a priority given the looming threats.
“For some time, I had serious disagreements with the prime minister regarding financial management,” Freeland noted. She added that these differences deepened particularly after Trump’s tariff threats surfaced, prompting her to realize they faced a potential existential economic threat and that it was crucial to concentrate their efforts on that challenge.
However, Freeland has faced criticism herself about Canada’s increasing deficits, especially as the Liberal government grappled with widespread unpopularity linked to issues such as soaring food and housing costs, as well as rising immigration. Trudeau conveyed to Freeland last month that he no longer desired her to hold the finance minister role while encouraging her to continue as deputy prime minister focusing on U.S.-Canada relations. Shortly afterward, Freeland resigned, penning a critical letter regarding the government that many interpreted as the final nail in Trudeau’s political coffin.
