Carney scoops more caucus endorsements, including Guilbeault

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OTTAWA — Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault is adding his name to the caucus endorsements who have thrown their support behind Mark Carney in the race to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Speaking to reporters in Montebello, Que., Guilbeault said that he has known Carney for many years and they both worked together on issues relating to climate change and the green energy transition with Carney’s role as special advisor to the United Nations.

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“I know he’s the right person to help bring us into the next phase of our work to support Canadian to build a strong economy and to fight climate change,” said Guilbeault.

His endorsement almost immediately sparked a reaction from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre: “Trudeau’s radical environment minister just endorsed Carbon Tax Carney,” he wrote on X. “More proof that Carbon Tax Carney is Just Like Justin.”

All leadership contenders, including Carney, have committed to scrapping or revisiting the consumer carbon tax which they say has become an unpopular policy. Even Guilbeault, its staunchest defender, said this week that it could be “replaced with something else.”

Carney, who is the former governor of the Bank of Canada, added he was committed to presenting a “comprehensive” climate plan in the coming weeks, but it is unclear if Guilbeault will be helping him in that regard. He said that Carney and he have often seen “eye-to-eye” in the fight against climate change.

Guilbeault seemed taken aback when asked by the National Post how his endorsement is going to benefit Carney, especially in Western Canada where Guilbeault is not popular.

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“I think I’m probably popular in parts of the country and unpopular in others. I’m not sure I’m the best person to answer that question,” he said.

“I’m going to do everything I can and help in any way I can to make sure that Mark Carney is the next leader… and then help make sure that that we win the next election campaign.”

Guilbeault also said he was not concerned by Carney’s lack of political experience.

“He has a wealth of experience navigating difficult crises… the financial crisis in 2008 when he was here in Canada, Brexit in England. He has a ton of experience on the world stage… For those reasons, I have great trust in his abilities,” he said.

Carney has so far secured the support of over 45 Liberal MPs, and others were coming out on the margins of the Liberal cabinet retreat on Tuesday.

Minister of Indigenous Services Patty Hajdu, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Gary Anandasangaree and former Housing Minister Sean Fraser all put out statements or public declarations during the day confirming that they will be endorsing the former banker.

That is in addition to the support in recent days from Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, Minister of Emergency Preparedness Harjit Sajjan and Minister of Diversity Kamal Khera.

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Ryan Turnbull, who served as Chrystia Freeland’s parliamentary secretary before she resigned as deputy prime minister and minister of finance last month, chose Carney over the minister he worked closely with — adding in a statement that the leadership race is a chance to “renew” the party.

“Canadians are seeking a leader who can steer our economy forward, create opportunities for families and young people, protect the vulnerable, stand up for Canada’s interests, unite Canadians, and build a prosperous, sustainable future,” he said.

Freeland, who officially launched her campaign on Sunday, also has more than 20 Liberal MPs supporting her — including Health Minister Mark Holland, Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier and Minister of Citizens’ Services Terry Beech.

Liberal House leader Karina Gould can count on the support of caucus colleagues Pam Damoff and Lisa Hepfner.

There are many other endorsements that remain to be courted in different camps, however, one of which is Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne.

Champagne, who declined to launch a leadership bid because of the imminent threat of U.S. tariffs, has so far not said if he would support either one of the candidates and questions that were shouted at him about that in Montebello remained unanswered.

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A source close to Carney recently hinted that they would be happy to receive the endorsement of such a prominent minister.

The source said that there is a lot of respect amongst everyone on Carney’s team for Champagne, that there is a lot of overlap in support networks between people who appreciate Champagne and people who feel the same way about Carney.

Leadership contestants have until Jan. 23 at 5 p.m. to deliver their first payment of $50,000 and their application to the Liberal Party of Canada, after which the party has 10 days to approve their candidacy. The new leader will be announced on March 9.

— With files from Antoine Trépanier.

National Post
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