Liberal backbencher vows to dump the monarchy if elected leader
Chandra Arya is first sitting MP to launch a leadership campaign
A Liberal backbench member has vowed to transform Canada into "a sovereign republic" if elected by his party to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Chandra Arya, the Member of Parliament for Ottawa, announced his leadership bid on Thursday, making him the first member of the Liberal caucus to do so.
In his statement, Arya emphasized his goal to "make Canada a sovereign republic," which would involve ending the monarchy’s role as the head of state. He added, "It's time for Canada to take full control of its destiny."
Furthermore, Arya expressed his intention to lead "a small, more efficient government" and select his cabinet based on merit, rather than diversity, equity, and inclusion quotas. "We are facing significant structural problems that haven't been seen for generations, and solving them will require tough choices," he stated.
Arya, elected to represent Nepean in 2015, has served as a backbench MP since. While generally aligned with his party, he has occasionally broken ranks. In 2023, for example, he sponsored a petition urging the government to reconsider plans for a foreign agent registry, which passed into law but has not yet been implemented.
His visit to India in 2024, where he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sparked some controversy, especially in light of strained diplomatic relations. The Canadian government clarified that Arya traveled independently and was not representing Canada. Arya responded to criticisms, stating, "I am aware that some (mostly religious) groups have been attacking me because of my religion, and I have nothing more to add."
As the Liberal Party gears up for a leadership race, several figures are considering a run for the top job. Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced he would not seek the position, though some MPs have urged him to reconsider.
Other potential candidates include Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne, and former central banker Mark Carney. Former finance minister Chrystia Freeland and ex-premier Christy Clark are also said to be gathering support.
While leadership hopefuls are emerging, the party is focusing on crucial details, such as the campaign rules, the voting process, and how to prevent foreign interference. There is growing concern over non-Canadian residents being able to vote in Liberal nomination and leadership contests, which some MPs believe could open doors for foreign influence.
The timing of the leadership race is also being discussed, with some MPs suggesting that the new leader should be in place by early March. Regardless of who takes the helm, the new Liberal leader will likely face a challenging road ahead, as the Conservatives currently hold a significant lead in the polls.
