Burnaby's only Liberal MP has announced he is endorsing former deputy prime minister and finance minister Chrystia Freeland.
In a shocking move on Dec. 16, Freeland announced she was leaving Trudeau's cabinet amid disagreements with the prime minister.
"For the past number of weeks, you and I have found ourselves at odds about the best path forward for Canada," she wrote, citing president-elect at the time Donald Trump's threats of 25 per cent tariffs, eschewing costly political gimmicks and working with premiers of provinces.
On Jan. 6, Trudeau announced that he would be stepping down as prime minister and leader of the Liberals, once a new leader is selected.
He said among "internal battles" within the Liberal caucus, he came to the conclusion he was no longer the best option for the party.
Chandra Arya was the first to say he was stepping into the race along with Jamie Battiste and Frank Baylis.
Mark Carney announced he was entering the race on Jan. 16 with Freeland announcing the next day that she would be running to replace Trudeau.
Karina Gould is the most recent candidate, officially declaring her candidacy on Jan. 19.
In a Jan. 19 Substack article, Beech said he told Liberals in Burnaby-North Seymour, volunteers and donors that was going to be endorsing Freeland.
"Chrystia was my caucus colleague for six years before I had the opportunity to serve as her parliamentary secretary in finance. I then had the chance to work alongside her in cabinet, starting in 2023," he wrote.
https://t.co/JyiPYwhDnS pic.twitter.com/mN8NTicgg8
— Terry Beech 黃志峰 (@terrybeech) January 19, 2025
While saying he endorses Freeland, Beech added he has the most utmost respect for other candidates.
"I make this endorsement full-heartedly and without hesitation, but not at the expense of our other excellent leadership candidates.
"I have known and admired Karina Gould for many years and have seen her excel in multiple roles, including most recently as House Leader.
"I have had dinner and several conversations with Mark Carney. He is smart and experienced and a valuable asset to our country and our Liberal team.
"The truth is we need everyone rowing in the same direction to ensure that Canadians are successful and that an opportunistic populist Conservative leader is never allowed near the prime minister’s office."
The leadership vote will take place on March 9.
