Who Will Lead the Liberal Party of Canada?
🎧 Podcast Episode 187 with Karina Gould, who is running in the Liberal Leadership Race
In a shifting political landscape, leadership matters more than ever. With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s leadership coming to an end, the Liberal Party of Canada is seeking its next leader—one who can define the party’s vision and take on the formidable challenge of defeating Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives.
Among the contenders, Karina Gould has emerged as a strong yet underdog candidate.
The Underdog with a Vision
Karina Gould, the MP for Burlington, Ontario, has been in federal politics for nearly a decade. Now, she has set her sights on the Liberal leadership. In my conversation with her on the Bigger Than Me podcast, Gould outlined her motivations, vision, and the challenges ahead.
She believes Canada is at a “pivotal moment,” citing economic challenges, affordability crises, and political threats from both domestic and international arenas. She presents herself as a leader for the future, one who can counteract the perceived austerity-driven agenda of Pierre Poilievre while ensuring the Liberal Party stays true to its progressive roots.
“I think we need somebody who is a candidate for the future, who believes so deeply in this country, believes in the people of Canada, and is going to put everything in there to build a brighter future for our country,” Gould stated.
A Liberal Identity Crisis?
One of the biggest questions facing the Liberal Party is whether it has drifted too far from its traditional centrist roots. Gould acknowledged this debate, but framed it differently.
“To me, being a Liberal means that we are the party of the center, which means we can have policies that are more on the left and policies that are more on the right, but that they're the right policies for Canadians,” she explained. She emphasized a balance between social progressivism and fiscal responsibility—a message aimed at unifying the party’s fractured base.
What Went Wrong Under Trudeau?
While Gould largely defended the Liberal record, she admitted that mistakes were made, particularly in responding to Canada’s affordability crisis post-pandemic.
“We didn’t hear Canadians in the moment when they were saying, ‘Things are still not okay.’ We got there eventually, but we got there months and years too late.”
This moment of candid reflection is notable, as many Liberal leaders have been hesitant to openly critique the Trudeau administration. Gould’s willingness to acknowledge these missteps may resonate with party members looking for a leader who can adapt and rebuild trust.
A Focus on People Over Policy Jargon
Gould differentiates herself from her opponents—including front-runner Mark Carney—by emphasizing people over policy jargon.
“When they talk about households, I talk about families. When they talk about productivity, I talk about how people can make ends meet.”
This grassroots, community-focused approach is a major part of her appeal, particularly for voters who feel disconnected from high-level economic debates.
Taking On Pierre Poilievre and Donald Trump
If she wins the leadership race, Gould will face a political heavyweight in Pierre Poilievre. She insists she’s ready.
“Men like Pierre Poilievre and Donald Trump underestimate leaders like me every single day, and that’s their mistake. I’ve gone up against Pierre Poilievre every single day in the House of Commons for almost a decade, so I know how to go toe to toe with him and I know how to win.”
This confidence, paired with her focus on economic issues that affect everyday Canadians, could make her a formidable opponent in a general election.
Carbon Tax, Affordability, and Reconciliation
Gould has taken a more moderate approach on some contentious policies. While she remains committed to climate action, she proposed canceling the planned carbon tax increase—signaling an attempt to address affordability concerns while maintaining environmental commitments.
On Indigenous reconciliation, Gould expressed frustration that the Liberals haven’t promoted their successes in this area, despite significant investments and progress. “I’m so proud of what we’ve been able to do on reconciliation,” she said, arguing that it should be a central focus of the Liberal platform.
Can She Win?
As an underdog, Gould faces an uphill battle against more established figures like Mark Carney and Chrystia Freeland. However, her grassroots appeal, direct communication style, and ability to acknowledge past Liberal mistakes could make her an attractive option for party members looking for a fresh but experienced voice.
Whether Gould can secure the leadership remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: she’s ready to fight for it.
With the Liberal leadership vote approaching, Canadians will soon see whether her vision is enough to convince her party—and eventually, the country—that she’s the right person to lead.
How to Support Karina Gould’s Campaign
Gould encouraged Liberal Party members to vote by March 9th and support her campaign through donations and volunteer efforts. “My campaign is powered by people,” she emphasized, underlining her grassroots approach.