Waterloo Region Liberal MPs weigh in on party leadership race

With the Liberal Party of Canada expected to select its next leader in a little over three weeks, two of the four local Liberal MPs are putting their support behind Mark Carney.

Valerie Bradford who represents Kitchener South-Hespeler says she made her decision a while ago.

“Several weeks ago I came out in support of Mark Carney. I think we are so fortunate to have a man of his experience and talents willing to step forward into the fray right at these very challenging times for our economy and with all the disruption that is coming from south of the boarder. I think he’s the right person at the right time. So, I’m all in for Mark.”

Kitchener-Conestoga’s Tim Louis said he too is all in on Carney.

“I’ve come out publicly supporting Mark Carney. It was a careful decision. I have worked with many of the people who are running for leadership so, I spoke to a number of them. I believe in a lot of them, they have some great ideas. I just think Mr. Carney represents the change Canadians are looking for.”

Waterloo MP, Bardish Chagger agrees with Louis that the party has a number of excellent candidates but she is still weighing her options.

“I’m very pleased with the people that have put their names forward and I do believe the Liberal Party continues put forward a vision that is in the best interest of our community and country,” she said. “At this time I have not personally endorsed a candidate. I have been having a lot of conversations and the diversity of views and perspectives within our community here in Waterloo Region are strong and that makes me proud because there is a lot of interest.”

570 NewsRadio has reached out to Cambridge Liberal MP Bryan May to see whom he might be endorsing, but have had no response.

There are five candidates running to replace Justin Trudeau:

• Former deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Chrystia Freeland
• Former head of Canada’s Central Bank, Mark Carney
• Former Brampton-Springdale MP, Rudy Dhalla
• Montreal Businessman, Frank Baylis
• Former House Leader, Karina Gould

The Liberal Party of Canada will choose its new leader on March 9.