Who could replace Trudeau as next Canadian PM?

Historically, the party has almost exclusively drawn its leaders from Ontario and Quebec, but three of the possible candidates -- Chrystia Freeland, Mark Carney and Christy Clark -- all have ties to western Canada, which could expand the party's appeal in a region-dominated by the Conservatives

Ottawa: The race to be Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s successor began on Tuesday, a day after he resigned amid a looming trade war with the US and a divisive political climate at home.

With the incumbent Liberal Party slumping badly in the polls, whoever wins the leadership contest could find themselves in opposition after the votes are counted, tasked with rebuilding the party.

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US President-elect Donald Trump ally Elon Musk has thrown his support behind Trudeau’s rival, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, for Prime Minister.

Justin Trudeau’s announcement that he will step down in the coming months means Canada’s Liberal Party needs a new leader. With the government likely to fall when Parliament returns in March, the party will be keen to put someone in place as soon as possible.

The party’s national board is due to meet this week to begin the process, which in the past has taken months. Polls indicate the Liberals are on track to lose the election no matter who leads the party, which may put off some potential candidates. In the meantime here’s a look at some of the people who may throw their hats into the ring.

Historically, the party has almost exclusively drawn its leaders from Ontario and Quebec, but three of the possible candidates — Chrystia Freeland, Mark Carney and Christy Clark — all have ties to western Canada, which could expand the party’s appeal in a region-dominated by the Conservatives.