Four cabinet ministers on Wednesday said they are eyeing the federal Liberal leadership in the wake of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s stated intent to resign this week.
Any ministers who run face a six-figure entry fee and loss of a cabinet bonus with car allowance, according to Blacklock’s Reporter.
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne, Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon, Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson have all indicated their intention to run.
“That’s something I have been thinking of for a long time,” said Champagne.
“But you know, we’ll see.”
“I am seriously considering a bid for the leadership but we need to know the rules. Obviously there will be a time to reflect on that as the Party is putting the rules together.”
This is the first party contest of its kind in 12 years. The Liberal party in its last federal leadership contest in 2013 charged candidates a $75,000 entry fee and limited campaign spending at $950,000.
New Democrats in their last national contest in 2017 charged a $30,000 fee and capped candidates’ spending at $1.5 million each. The Conservative party in a 2022 leadership race charged a $250,000 fee and limited campaign expenses to $7 million.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller, who yesterday expressed no interest in the leadership, said any minister who runs must quit cabinet.
“It’s my opinion if someone is focusing their time on becoming the leader of the Party, which is very important, they shouldn’t be a member of cabinet,” he said.
Resignation from cabinet would cost any minister an annual $96,800 bonus plus $2,000 car allowance. The cabinet bonus is in addition to their $203,000-a year MP salary.
“I am absolutely considering running and putting my name forward for leader,” MacKinnon told reporters. A Liberal leader must be a “good listener” in both official languages, he said.
“Any candidate must be a good listener,” said MacKinnon.
“We are often criticized for not listening enough and I think that is the process in which I am engaged. I would also add on the French language and bilingualism. In my opinion it is essential that we have a bilingual leader and for me, it means knowing how to appreciate the French-speaking fact in Canada, knowing how to appreciate Québec.”
Public Works Minister Jean-Yves Duclos expressed no interest in becoming prime minister but said anyone who does must be sensitive to Québec. The Liberal Party holds 33 seats in the province including Duclos’ Québec City riding.
“We need a leader who is fully bilingual and very sensitive to how Québec can be an important member of our federation,” he said.
“Is bilingualism important?” asked a reporter.
“Absolutely a must,” replied Duclos.
Joly said she is considering a campaign.
“I’ve received a lot of support from across the country,” she said. Joly did not elaborate.
Wilkinson said he was speaking to his wife about a leadership run.
“I have had a number of colleagues who have approached me to encourage me to consider it,” he said.
“I certainly have been considering it.”
“What will influence your decision?” asked a reporter.
“My wife, of course,” replied Wilkinson.
“She’s the one who will decide?” asked a reporter.
“It’s important,” replied Wilkinson.
