Clark says there’s not enough time to mount a successful campaign and to connect with francophone Canadians in their language.
Former B.C. premier Christy Clark, who was considering a run for the federal Liberal leadership, says she’s made the difficult decision to step back.
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“There are vitally important issues that need to be addressed — confronting an aggressive U.S. trade threat, fighting for a strong, united Canada, and restoring faith in our institutions. But, most important of all, getting Canada’s economy firing on all cylinders again,” said Clark Tuesday in a message to supporters.
Although Clark said she has been working on her French she hasn’t become fluent yet.
“While we have come a long way, in a short time, there is simply not enough time to mount a successful campaign and for me to effectively connect with francophone Canadians in their language. I have worked hard at improving my French but it’s not where it needs to be, today,” she said.
Clark said the Liberal party must find a way to generate new momentum and energy, and open itself up to a broader group of Canadians who have felt left out.
“I won’t be in this leadership race but I won’t stop fighting. Pierre Poilievre would rather attack Canadians than call out Donald Trump. He’s a bully when he’s here at home and a pathetic pushover for the MAGA Republicans. We don’t need Governor Poilievre. We need the Liberal party at the top of its game,” said Clark.
She told CBC Radio’s The House that she was “very seriously” considering a leadership bid, but expressed disappointment with the short timeline for the race.
She also denied she voted for former Quebec premier Jean Charest in his bid to become Conservative leader in 2022, a race that was won by Poilievre.
Clark, who has called herself a “lifelong Liberal,” said in the interview that despite publicly supporting Charest’s leadership run she never joined the party and never received a ballot for the race.
The Liberal party said the new leader will be named March 9 to replace outgoing leader Justin Trudeau.
Former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney has suggested he will launch a leadership bid this week. Former Montreal MP Frank Baylis and Nepean, Ont., MP Chandra Arya have also said they plan to run.
With files from The Canadian Press