The race to replace Justin Trudeau as leader of Canada’s ruling Liberal Party – and as the country’s prime minister – is well under way, with seven candidates throwing their names into contention. The leadership hopefuls had until Thursday evening to meet a deadline to formally submit their candidacies before the party picks its new chief on March 9.

The former central banker for the UK and Canada pitched himself as a someone who can help a country navigate economic challenges.

Liberal leadership hopeful Chrystia Freeland says her top rival Mark Carney appears to be “the choice of the Liberal establishment” as more federal cabinet ministers rally around the former Bank of Canada governor.

Former finance minister Chrystia Freeland called Friday for four Liberal leadership debates Friday and said the other leadership candidates should commit to running in the next election under the party banner — no matter who wins.