Finance minister opts out of party leadership race

Canadian finance minister Dominic LeBlanc has decided not to run for leadership of the Liberal Party, saying he needs to focus on countering the threat of tariffs from Donald Trump's administration.

- Bloomberg

OTTAWA:

LeBlanc said he's grateful for the expressions of support from Liberal lawmakers and members across the country, but won't be a candidate in the upcoming race.

"Serving Canadians is an immense privilege — and at a moment when Canada is at a crucial juncture in its relationship with its most important ally and trading partner, the United States, I firmly believe that at this time, the best way for me to serve our country is to direct my full attention to my job," he said in a statement posted to X on Wednesday.