Ontario embarks on snap election as pundits say provincial leaders will distance themselves from federal counterparts

Ontarians will head to the polls in a snap provincial election on Feb. 27, just over a week before federal Liberal Party members choose their next leader—and the next prime minister.
Jan. 30 deadline for $50,000 non-refundable deposit narrowed Liberal leadership field, Battiste drops out, backs Carney

After the Jan. 30 deadline, leadership candidates must pay an additional non-refundable $250,000 to the party, as required by leadership election rules.
Conservative politicos say carbon tax still a ballot-box issue in next election, despite Liberals’ proposed policy flip-flop

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre indicates he won’t change his ‘axe the tax’ messaging in light of some Liberal leadership candidates planning to drop the consumer carbon price.
Some Liberals want election called before House returns on March 24

The success and failure of a potential Liberal call for an early election will depend on where the U.S. tariff threat is at that point in time, says pollster Greg Lyle.
Liberal leadership race a chance for Tories to dominate political ad space, say experts

However, a former federal Liberal candidate says the leadership race can provide the party with a captive audience for their messaging.
Liberals offer united front on Trump, but caucus split on candidate best fit to lead the party

U.S. President Donald Trump also drops numerous bombshells for Canada in his World Economic Forum address as Liberals meet in Ottawa.
Canadian politicos react to Trump’s inauguration speech

Liberal leadership candidate Chrystia Freeland, who spent the morning of Trump’s second inauguration doing an interview with CP24’s morning show, said Canada needs to be strong, smart and united. ‘The key is not to be scared.’
To succeed Trudeau, Liberal leadership race winner must secure 17,151 points across 343 ridings

Since the leadership race will be short, candidates won’t have time to sign up a large number of new members, so the existing membership will play a crucial role in choosing the winner, says pollster Darrell Bricker.
With an election looming, Liberal MPs to return to Ottawa to plot election readiness

The national Liberal caucus is meeting on Thursday and Friday on the Hill, with regional caucus meetings to start on Wednesday, say Liberal MPs.
Liberal leadership candidates can pay $350,000 entry fee in instalments, but unclear if any portion is refundable

The Prime Minister’s Office and the Liberal Party still won’t say whether ministers can participate in the leadership election without resigning from cabinet.