Justin Trudeau Steps Down: Who Are Top Contenders to Replace Him?

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada on Monday, creating a leadership vacuum that will see a new leader chosen through a competitive nationwide process. While Trudeau will remain as prime minister until a new leader is selected, his departure has triggered speculation about who will take over the party's helm.

As the search for a new leader begins, several high-profile figures are considered strong contenders to replace Trudeau. Among them are former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney, and long-time Liberal MP Dominic LeBlanc, each of whom has his support base and political strengths.

Chrystia Freeland
Freeland, who served as Trudeau's deputy and finance minister until her resignation last month, has seen her popularity surge in recent months. Even though Freeland quit following the tension between her and Trudeau, staying on as a Liberal MP and announcing she would seek election next spring places her squarely at the front of the pack.

Mark Carney
As the former governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, Carney has been touted for years as a likely future Liberal leader. Sources say he is seriously contemplating a leadership run, having made dozens of calls to Liberal MPs and organizers since late December. One who has considerable international finance experience and even some frontline leadership roles, Carney has long enjoyed a solid reputation.

Dominic LeBlanc
LeBlanc is another Trudeau confidant and cabinet minister for a long time. He is also believed to be a future leader. With several portfolios under his belt, including finance minister after Freeland's resignation, LeBlanc has immense support from the party. Although he has dismissed any leadership campaign, many believe that he would be a contender.

Other Contenders
Other notable figures in the running include current Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne and Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly. All of these members of Trudeau's Cabinet have, until now, publicly expressed their confidence in the Prime Minister. Former British Columbia Premier Christy Clark has also thrown her hat into the ring, which will certainly bring a new voice to the debate for leadership.

This is the inauguration of a new chapter into the life of the Liberal party under Justin Trudeau, whose resignation may actually establish a path for future leadership race.