Finance Minister LeBlanc Declines Liberal Leadership Candidacy

January 8, 2025 TruthUSA

“While I am extremely grateful for the encouragement and the expressions of support I have received from caucus colleagues and Liberals across the country, I have decided not to be a candidate in the Liberal Party of Canada’s upcoming leadership race,” LeBlanc said in a Jan. 8 statement.

LeBlanc said that with Canada being at a “critical juncture” in its relationship with the United States, he believes the best way he can serve is in his roles as minister of finance and intergovernmental affairs. Incoming President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 25 percent tariffs on Canada, and in recent days has escalated his rhetoric about Canada becoming the “51st” U.S. state.

“The threat these tariffs pose to our nation’s economic well-being and to the livelihood of a countless number of Canadian families cannot be understated, and as such, it requires nothing less than my full attention,” LeBlanc said.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Jan. 6 that he would be stepping down as prime minister once the Liberal Party had chosen a replacement for leader. He also went to Gov. Gen. Mary Simon to ask her to prorogue Parliament until March 24, which she granted.

This is a developing story, updates will follow.