Dominic LeBlanc says he will not run for Liberal leadership

A potential contender for the next federal Liberal leader is bowing out after speculation of him putting his name forward for Canada’s top job.

Ahead of a Liberal caucus meeting, Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc posted on X thanking supporters for their encouragement and announcing that he is not going to run.

Please see my statement regarding the Liberal Party of Canada’s upcoming leadership race: pic.twitter.com/WaqciWRsrC

— Dominic LeBlanc (@DLeBlancNB) January 8, 2025

“Canada is at a crucial juncture in its relationship with its most important ally and trading partner, the United States,” the New Brunswick MP wrote in his statement.

“I firmly believe that at this time, the best way for me to serve our country is to direct my full attention to my job as Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs – working together with Cabinet colleagues, Premiers, other party leaders, business and union leaders to make the case against the unjust application of tariffs on Canadian businesses and workers to the incoming Trump administration.”

Establishing a strong presence in the face of Trump’s inauguration

LeBlanc’s decision to not run came as somewhat of a shock, as the MP had taken steps along with Trudeau to meet and work with the U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and key members of his team.

The incoming president threatened in November to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all goods from Canada and Mexico when he takes office, unless both countries act to stop migrants and illegal drugs from crossing the border into the United States.

In December, Canada’s announcement to strengthen the border failed to deter Trump, who instead ramped up his rhetoric insisting that tariffs are coming and threatening to use “economic force” to annex Canada and make it the 51st state.

Top contenders for next Liberal leader

The Liberals are meeting Wednesday for the first time since Trudeau announced Monday he plans to resign as leader once a successor is selected.

MPs are focusing on the party’s next steps as it begins a national search for a leader who can go up against popular Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.

Some members of the caucus are reportedly fielding calls from others to consider leadership bids, including cabinet members Jonathan Wilkinson, Steven MacKinnon and Karina Gould.

Meanwhile, other ministers such as Chrystia Freeland, Anita Anand and François-Philippe Champagne have also been feeling out party members and MPs to gauge their support.

The national party board has to assemble a leadership vote committee to organize and set rules for the upcoming race. Those rules could take days to produce once the committee is formed.

As of early Wednesday afternoon, the only person officially running for the leadership role is Frank Baylis of Quebec.

Ideally, the Liberal party will decide and vote on a new leader before Parliament’s next session.

– With files from The Canadian Press.

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