The prime minister’s announcement sets the stage for the party’s first leadership election since 2013
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Trudeau also said that Governor General Mary Simon had granted his request to prorogue Parliament until March 24.
The prime minister’s announcement sets the stage for the Liberal party’s first leadership election since 2013.
Here’s what the constitution, as it’s written, says about the imminent leadership race.
What happens next?
The board will also appoint a separate expenses committee to collect monetary deposits from leadership candidates and set spending rules.
When will the leadership vote take place?
An expedited race would also give the new leader at least a few weeks of runway before Parliament returns on March 24, when the government will likely face a non-confidence vote.
Who can vote?
Per the constitution, anyone who registers as a Liberal at least 41 days before the leadership election date can vote in the contest.
“Expanding the pool is also a way to try to engage future voters — those too young to vote or who are not yet Canadian citizens,” Trudeau said in October.
How will votes be counted?
Like other major parties, the Liberals use multi-round voting with weights in place to give each electoral district an equal proportion of the vote. The candidate with the lowest total is dropped each round until one candidate hits a threshold of at least 50 per cent support.
Can the rules be changed?
The constitution can only be amended by a two-thirds vote of registered Liberals at an official party convention. Trying to do this within the already short window for the upcoming leadership vote would create a major time crunch.
How is the race likely to play out?
“The structure of the race is going to favour one of the cabinet ministers who are thinking of running,” said Koop. “By waiting for so long to step aside, Trudeau really painted the party into a corner.”
Who are the contenders?
Cabinet members Melanie Joly, François-Philippe Champagne and Anita Anand are all thought to be interested in the job, as is ex-finance minister Chrystia Freeland. Ex-Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney and former British Columbia Christy Clark are also rumoured to be organizing for possible leadership bids.
With files from The Canadian Press
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