Former B.C. premier Christy Clark interested in replacing Trudeau if PM steps down

Christy Clark Signals Interest in Leading Liberals as Trudeau Faces Internal Dissent

As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau contends with internal unrest among his Liberal MPs, former British Columbia premier Christy Clark has hinted she might be open to stepping into federal leadership if Trudeau steps down.

In a statement shared with Radio-Canada in French, Clark expressed her willingness to return to public life and said she "would like to be part of the discussion about the future direction of the Liberal Party and the country."

Clark, 58, who served as B.C.’s premier from 2011 to 2017, criticized divisive politics, writing, "Canadians are tired of politicians who think that fear mongering and divisiveness will win an election and gain power." She added that voters are seeking leaders capable of bridging divides, saying, "They also understand that polarized political views are standing in the way of the solutions we need."

Clark emphasized the importance of practical solutions to pressing challenges like inflation, housing, health care, and climate change. "Voters want leaders who will unite our country with practical solutions to the tough challenges we face," she wrote.

While indicating her openness to returning to politics, Clark acknowledged that the Liberal leadership role is not immediately available. "Because our country and its future are important to me, I have never closed the door to the possibility of one day returning to political life," she added.

Clark’s statement comes amid growing pressure on Trudeau, with some Liberal MPs reportedly being urged to sign a pledge calling for the prime minister to resign, sources told CBC News.

Persistent Criticism of Trudeau

Over the past two years, Clark has been vocal in her criticism of Trudeau's leadership. In March 2022, she described Trudeau as "tired and complacent" on the Curse of Politics podcast. "I don't think Trudeau is an asset to the Liberals, I think he's a gift to Poilievre," she remarked, referring to Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. She also accused Trudeau of aggravating tensions between Quebec and Western Canada "for political reasons," arguing that Canada needs politicians to bridge these divides.

Following a significant byelection loss for the Liberals in Toronto–St. Paul's in June, Clark urged MPs to privately discuss the party’s future with Trudeau. "I think the leader needs to be replaced," she told the Globe and Mail. "It’s time for him to move to other, fairer pastures."

Clark’s Recent Activities

A source close to Clark told Radio-Canada that she has been taking French lessons and has made two visits to Quebec’s Cégep de Jonquière, with plans to continue improving her French. She also launched a TikTok account last month, using her platform to encourage British Columbians to participate in the recent provincial election.

Clark’s tenure as B.C. premier earned her a reputation as an environmentally conscious and fiscally responsible leader who supported the mining and oil sectors. Her minority government lost power to the NDP in 2017 after a confidence motion, leading to her resignation. The NDP took control with Green Party support, leaving the B.C. Liberals in turmoil. By April 2023, the party rebranded as B.C. United, though it dissolved before the latest election campaign.

During the 2022 Conservative leadership race, Clark endorsed former Quebec premier Jean Charest, though he ultimately lost to Poilievre. Clark remains active in federal politics, providing commentary on networks such as CTV, CBC, and Global, and working as a guest speaker across Canada.