Hecklers interrupt Freeland’s leadership campaign launch, Gould pledges carbon freeze

Former finance minister Chrystia Freeland speaks at a press conference in Toronto on Sunday Jan. 19, 2025, as she kicks off her campaign to become the next Liberal party leader. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

OTTAWA — Former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland has launched her bid to be the next federal Liberal leader while staring down multiple hecklers.

Freeland’s speech in Toronto to launch her candidacy for party leadership was interrupted several times by protesters with at least one banner and a flag related to Gaza.

Freeland says she will seek re-election as a Liberal MP regardless of whether she wins party leadership, and says all other contenders should make the same pledge.

Another recent federal minister, Karina Gould, also launched her leadership bid this morning, saying she is stepping down as House leader and plans to freeze the federal carbon price but not abolish it.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly has endorsed Mark Carney for Liberal leader in the race’s first major endorsement from a Quebec minister.

Candidates only have until Jan. 23 to declare they are running and begin a series of entry fee payments to the Liberal party so they can join the race.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 19, 2025.