Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly announced on Friday that she would not enter the race to succeed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Instead, she will concentrate on addressing the potential threat of US tariffs. Following Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, Joly is the second senior cabinet member to prioritize her current duties over vying for leadership of the ruling Liberal Party.
Speaking to reporters before a meeting on possible retaliatory measures, Joly said, “The reality is I can’t do both.” She explained that her decision was influenced by the need to prepare for potential actions by President-elect Donald Trump, who has threatened to impose tariffs. My job is to ensure we are ready should he decide to proceed with his tariffs, and that’s why I made this decision,” she added.
Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly not running for Liberal leadershiphttps://t.co/GlFlSB3kRI pic.twitter.com/GLRJBtHiRb
— Financial Post (@financialpost) January 10, 2025This announcement comes as the Liberal Party grapples with internal disputes and declining poll numbers. Once a new leader is chosen, Trudeau will resign on March 9.
Read: Candian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Announces Resignation
The Globe and Mail reported that Chrystia Freeland, a former finance minister and a former Bank of Canada governor, will likely declare their candidacies soon. This leadership change occurs as the Liberals lag behind the Conservatives, facing an upcoming election in May.
High-profile cabinet minister Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly says she won't seek the Liberal leadership. https://t.co/yYje4QdHjq
— CBC News (@CBCNews) January 10, 2025Other cabinet members considering a run include Innovation Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, Transport Minister Anita Anand, and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson.
