A first federal MP from the region is tempted by the idea of replacing Justin Trudeau at the head of the Liberal Party of Canada (PLC).
Steven MacKinnon is considering becoming a candidate for the leadership which will take place in the coming weeks. His spokesperson Philippe-Alexandre Langlois confirmed the news to -.
MacKinnon considering running for leadership
he argued in a written statement.
A year of promotions
Elected for the first time to Parliament in 2015, the member for Gatineau has gained ground within the PLC in the last year.
Steven MacKinnon became Government House Leader in January 2024, replacing Karina Gould who was on parental leave. Then in July, Justin Trudeau turned to him to take over from Seamus O’Regan as Minister of Labor and Seniors.
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Steven MacKinnon shakes Justin Trudeau’s hand during his swearing-in last December. (Archive photo)
Photo: The Canadian Press / Sean Kilpatrick
In the latest shuffle, which occurred a few days before Christmas, Mr. MacKinnon retained his position as Minister of Labor in addition to gaining the role of Minister of Employment and Workforce Development. He has found himself in the headlines several times in recent months.
The latter intervened in two labor disputes, first that in the railway sector in August then that at Canada Post in December. On the local scene, he also promised to defend tooth and nail the file for a new bridge linking Gatineau and Ottawa (New window) in the event of a Liberal defeat in the next election in 2025.
Lauzon rejects a candidacy
A liberal source indicated Tuesday to - that the National Board of Directors of the PLC must meet Thursday evening to discuss the terms of the leadership race.
Since the announcement of Justin Trudeau’s resignation on Monday, several names have been circulating as potential candidates.
Federal Minister of Industry François-Philippe Champagne confirmed to - that he is considering trying his luck. Former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney has also expressed interest.
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Stéphane Lauzon is president of the Quebec Liberal Caucus. (Archive photo)
Photo : (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)
For his part, the president of the Quebec liberal caucus and member of Argenteuil-La Petite-Nation, Stéphane Lauzon, dismissed the idea of entering the race.
I’ll tell you right away. I will not be a candidate
he said in an interview Monday on -.
Mr. Lauzon, however, intends to seek another mandate as deputy in his constituency during the next elections.
With information from Nicole Chiasson, Estelle Côté-Sroka and Laurence Martin
