Ottawa MP Chandra Arya running for Liberal leadership

Ottawa Liberal MP Chandra Arya is running to be leader of the Liberal party, promising to end the consumer carbon tax and to make Canada a republic.

Arya, who was first elected Member of Parliament for Nepean in 2015, announced on social media he is 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."

Justin Trudeau announced on Monday 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 significant structural problems that haven't been seen for generations and solving them will require tough choices," Arya said in a video posted on X. "Our economic growth and fiscal strength are not benefiting many Canadians."

In a 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."

Arya unveiled several policy proposals, including pledging an "ambitious goal" of Canada's real GDP reaching $5 trillion within 25 years, raising the retirement age two years and having scientists, engineers, and industry professionals, "lead the way in crafting fact-based policies" to grow the economy and tackle climate change.

"Activist-driven policies, like the consumer carbon pricing mechanism, will be let go," Arya said.

Arya also proposes limiting 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," guaranteeing orders for over 100,000 prefab homes, "revolutionizing housing construction with advanced technologies," and defense investments will "prioritize securing Canada's specific needs."

"It's time for Canada to take full control of its destiny. My government will make Canada a sovereign republic."

Arya says if elected Liberal leader and prime minister, Canada would recognize the "sovereign state of Palestine as part of a peaceful two-state solution."

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.