Chandra Arya, an Indian-origin Member of Parliament in Canada and former PM Justin Trudeau's loyalist, announced on Thursday his candidacy for the Prime Minister's position, just days after Trudeau resigned.
"I am running to be the next Prime Minister of Canada to lead a small, more efficient government to rebuild our nation and secure prosperity for future generations," Arya wrote in a post on X.
From strained international relations to a domestic controversy related to his response to the Khalistan issue, visa restrictions imposed on Indian students, Trudeau's time in office was never bereft of its share of controversy.
"We face significant structural problems that haven't been seen for generations, and solving them will require tough choices," Arya wrote.
He further added, "I have always worked hard for what is best for Canadians, and for the sake of our children and grandchildren, we must make "bold decisions that are absolutely necessary".
If elected as the next Leader of the Liberal Party I offer my knowledge and expertise to do so," adding "We have a perfect storm: Many Canadians, especially younger generations, face significant affordability issues. Working middle class is struggling today, and many working families are retiring directly into poverty."
This is what he said: "Canada deserves a leadership that isn't afraid to make the big decisions. Decisions that rebuild our economy, restore hope, create equal opportunities for all Canadians, and secure prosperity for our children and grandchildren. Bold political decisions are not optional-they are necessary. With prudence and pragmatism as my guiding principles, I'm stepping forward to take on this responsibility and lead Canada as its next Prime Minister."
Chandra Arya hails from Dwarlu village, Tumkur district, Karnataka. He has an MBA degree from Kousali Institute of Management Studies, Karnataka University, Dharwad.
Arya moved to Canada in 2006 and first became the head of the Indo-Canada Ottawa Business Chamber before becoming a politician.
In the 2015 Canadian federal election, Arya was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Nepean riding. He was re-elected in both the 2019 and 2021 elections.
The Indian-origin MP is a member of the Standing Committee on International Trade.
In 2022, Arya became the first MP to address the House of Commons of Canada in Kannada, his mother tongue.
He has been vocal on issues like the vandalism of Hindu temples in Toronto, which he blamed on "Khalistani extremists".
Arya also promises to restrict immigration "to meet our economic growth needs and specifically to skilled trades," criminalizing "the glorification and display of support to terrorists, extremism and terrorist organizations," orders over 100,000 prefab homes "will revolutionize housing construction with advanced technologies," and defense spending will "prioritize securing Canada's specific needs."
"It is time for Canada to take complete responsibility for its fate. My government will make Canada a sovereign republic."
Former Liberal MP Frank Baylis is the only other declared candidate for the Liberal leadership.
Gatineau MP and Minister of Employment Steve MacKinnon, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly and Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson have all said they are considering running for the Liberal leadership. Former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney says he is considering whether to run for leader of the Liberal Party.
Ottawa Liberal MP Chandra Arya is also in the fray for the Liberal leadership, campaigning to end the consumer carbon tax and to make Canada a republic.
On Monday, Justin Trudeau said he intends to resign as Liberal leader and Prime Minister as soon as the party names his replacement.
The Liberal Party of Canada has not yet announced rules for the upcoming leadership contest, including those governing candidates and voting eligibility.
Arya is the first member of the Liberal Caucus to announce his candidacy for party leader.
"We are facing enormous structural problems not seen in generations and solving them will require some tough choices," Arya said in a video posted on X.
"Our economic growth and fiscal strength are not benefiting many Canadians."
In his letter announcing his candidacy, Arya says he will make the "big and bold decisions needed to rebuild our economy and foster prosperity for all generations," along with reviewing government spending.
"Every government program and entity will face a simple question: Is it still relevant? If not, it's gone or will be restructured to deliver economic development," Arya said.
"No excuses, no waste. We will have a razor-sharp focus on economic implications in all decisions we make," he added
Policy proposals unveiled: Arya will pledge an 'ambitious goal' of Canadian real GDP reaching $5 trillion in 25 years and raise the retirement age two years; scientists, engineers, and industry professionals will be asked to lead the way in crafting fact-based policies to grow the economy and solve climate change problems.
Activist-driven policies like consumer carbon pricing will be let go.".
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