Candidates eager to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have until tonight to clear the first hurdle in the race, but it could still be days before we know who wins.
The leadership race is proceeding on an unusually tight schedule following Prime Minister Trudeau’s resignation announcement earlier this month and an expected spring election.
Under rules set by the party, candidates must submit a nomination package, including the signatures of 300 registered Liberal Party members and a refundable deposit of $50,000, by 5pm ET on Thursday.
This is just a fraction of the total participation fee of $350,000. Payments will be made in four installments from January 23rd to February 17th.
Dozens of Liberals have already announced their support, and the battle is shaping up to be one between former central bank governor Mark Carney and former finance minister Chrystia Freeland.
Carney’s campaign confirmed that he has already submitted a nomination. Freeland posted Wednesday night that he had also submitted documents to X.
Former Bank of Canada governor Carney is scheduled to meet privately Thursday with MPs gathered in Ottawa for a caucus meeting, a source close to the Carney campaign said. The person, who was not authorized to speak publicly, said Mr. Carney is focused on contacting grassroots organizers across the country and quickly holding one- to two-minute phone calls with the Liberal Party.
Freeland, who has been making the rounds on morning shows this week, plans to attend the caucus meeting, campaign officials said. They said she was meeting with the Liberal Party in Winnipeg on Wednesday.
Former House Minority Leader Karina Gould posted on social media that she had raised the first $50,000 within 24 hours. Since launching his candidacy over the weekend, he has been reaching out to young Liberal members and trying to sign up new members, according to a source close to his campaign.
People can register with the party to vote in the leadership race until Monday.
Party still needs to approve candidates
Ottawa MP Chandra Arya and Montreal businessman Frank Bayliss said they also submitted packages.
Nova Scotia MP Jaime Batiste also publicly declared his intention to run, telling CBC News he was satisfied with meeting the requirements Thursday.
Liberal Party spokesman Parker Rand said the party would approve a candidate “within 10 days.” Elections Canada would also need to approve it, which could take several days, he said.
Lund said the party would only formally approve a candidate if it is fully approved.
Registered Liberal members will vote on March 9 in 343 elections, with each election weighted by 100 points.
