Former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland laid out her case on Sunday to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and take on US President-elect Donald Trump, portraying herself as a “battle-tested leader with the scars to prove it.”
But his message was repeatedly drowned out by pro-Palestinian protesters in the crowd, who chanted “pro-genocide” and booed Freeland.
At least a dozen hecklers broke out, according to reporters in the room, delaying his speech.
Once she got back on track, Freeland positioned herself as a seasoned negotiator and leader with an eye on Canada's economy.
Freeland's official campaign launch comes nearly a month after he resigned from Trudeau's cabinet and a day before Trump takes office, two factors he leaned on in his campaign launch speech.
“I've always fought for the things I believe in and the people I care about,” she said at the St. Albans Boys and Girls Club in Toronto. “And yes, as deputy prime minister, I fought against the prime minister when I knew it was time to put the country first.”
The former deputy prime minister resigned from cabinet in mid-December, sending shock waves through a galvanized caucus to push Ottawa and Trudeau out.
In a letter to the prime minister that was later posted on social media, Freeland said she had no choice but to resign after being approached by Trudeau about moving to another cabinet role.
His resignation letter, sent the same day he was originally set to deliver the Liberals' fall economic statement, took aim at Trudeau's handling of the economy and his approach to Trump, and he denounced the government as an “expensive political gimmick.”
Speaking Sunday, Freeland said she will focus on fiscal responsibility as leader.
“Canadians want good jobs, homes they can afford and good care for their children,” she said Sunday.
“And they want a government that is as careful with Canada's money as Canadians are with their own.”
Canada says 'biggest trade blow' US has seen: Freeland
Freeland, who walked on stage in song manatorTrump launched her campaign just hours before taking office. The incoming administration has committed to slapping 25 percent tariffs on all Canadian imports.
Freeland, who led Canada's negotiating team during Trump's first term when the North American Free Trade Agreement was in crisis, promised to “lead a true Canadian response to the threat we face.”
That would include, she said, dollar-for-dollar retaliation.
“If you hit us, we'll hit back,” she said. “If you force our hand, we will strike the greatest trade the United States has ever suffered.”
Freeland led Canada's negotiating team during Trump's first term in office, when the North American Free Trade Agreement was in crisis.
After her resignation, Trump called Freeland “toxic” on social media.
He also took aim at another challenger – conservative leader Pierre Poilivre, who leads public polls by a wide margin.
“The real problem with Pierre Poilievre? He's weak,” she said
“He will bow down and sell us out.…He will never stand up to Donald Trump. He won't even stand up to Daniel Smith.”
Race to replace prime minister firms
Freeland will face off against central banker Mark Carney, who is pitching himself as someone who can lead Canada through economic uncertainty.
“I'm not the usual suspect when it comes to politics but this is not the time for politics in general,” he said at Thursday's inauguration ceremony in Edmonton.
Government House leader Karina Gould confirmed Saturday that she is also running, becoming the youngest candidate to throw her hat in the ring to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Chandra Arya, MP representing the Ottawa area of Nepean; former Montreal MP and businessman Frank Baylis; and MP Jaime Batiste, who represents the Nova Scotia riding of Sydney-Victoria, have all announced they are running for the leadership.
Candidates only have until January 23 to declare they are in the running and begin the process of paying party entry fees so they can join the race. The party will choose its next leader, who will serve as the next prime minister, on March 9.
