Karina Gould, the Government House Leader, announced her candidacy for the Liberal leadership contest on Saturday afternoon, becoming the youngest candidate to vie for the position of Canadian Prime Minister, succeeding Justin Trudeau.
In a social media video, Gould said, “We need new leadership to fight for everyday Canadians. A leader who understands what people are going through and works every day to make their lives better.” She added, “I’m here for Canada. Today, tomorrow, and for years to come.”
Gould’s announcement comes after former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor Mark Carney and former Canadian finance minister Chrystia Freeland declared their candidacies earlier this week.
First elected in 2015, the Burlington, Ontario, MP has been a member of Trudeau’s cabinet since 2017, holding positions as minister of democratic institutions, international development, and families, children and social development. Most recently, she played a key role in implementing the federal government’s $10-a-day child care policy.
At 37, Gould acknowledged Canadians’ frustrations with the Liberal Party, saying that they “have lost faith” and promising to rebuild both trust and the party. She is the only current cabinet member to declare a leadership bid, with several others opting not to run.
Other contenders include MPs Chandra Arya, Frank Baylis, and Jaime Battiste.
In a campaign video, Freeland stressed Canadian identity and took aim at US President-elect Donald Trump, who has previously expressed interest in “absorbing” Canada. “Trump thinks we’re for sale, but he can’t take what isn’t his. We’re not going to let him,” Freeland asserted.
Gould also addressed concerns about events “south of the border,” stating that Canadians are “strong, hardworking, and caring people who do not back down from fighting for what is right.”
