Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly is endorsing Mark Carney for Liberal leader, the first major endorsement from Quebec in the race.
She says Carney has “unparalleled economic experience” as a former central banker and he can defeat Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.
Joly’s endorsement comes as former cabinet ministers Chrystia Freeland and Karina Gould officially launch their bids for Liberal leadership.
None of the three most prominent candidates are Quebecers nor speak French as their first language, though former Quebec backbencher Frank Baylis is also running for leader.
The looming inauguration of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump is featuring prominently in the race, with candidates and their supporters focusing on who is best positioned to stare down the threat of tariffs and talk of making Canada an American state.
Candidates only have until Jan. 23 to declare they are running and begin a series of entry fee payments to the Liberal party so they can join the race.
