NEW DELHI — Chandra
Arya, an Indian-origin Member of Parliament in Canada and former PM Justin
Trudeau's loyalist, on Thursday announced his candidacy for the position of
Prime Minister, 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.
Trudeau's time in office faced challenges ranging from
strained international relations to domestic controversies, including his
handling of the Khalistan issue and visa restrictions on Indian students.
Arya further wrote, "We are facing significant
structural problems that haven't been seen for generations, and solving them
will require tough choices."
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."
Arya also 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, originally from Dwarlu village in Tumkur
district of Karnataka, completed his MBA at the Kousali Institute of Management
Studies, Karnataka University, Dharwad.
In 2006, Arya immigrated to Canada, where he initially
served as the chairman of the Indo-Canada Ottawa Business Chamber before
entering politics.
Arya was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the
Nepean riding in the 2015 Canadian federal election. He was re-elected in both
the 2019 and 2021 elections.
The Indian-origin MP serves as 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 about issues such as the vandalism of
Hindu temples in Toronto, which he blamed on "Khalistani extremists".
Arya also proposes limiting immigration to "meet our
economic growth needs and specifically to skilled trades," criminalising
"the glorification and display of support to terrorists, extremism and
terrorist organisations," guaranteeing orders for more than 100,000 prefab
homes, "revolutionising housing construction with advanced
technologies," and defence investments will "prioritise 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."
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 running to be leader of
the Liberal party, promising to end the consumer carbon tax and to make Canada
a republic.
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.
