Chrystia Freeland, the former deputy prime minister, sought to distance herself from Mr. Trudeau in a public letter criticizing him for “costly political gimmicks.”

When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was elected in 2015, he promised sunny ways and "a real change." Over the last nine years, there's no doubt his government has focused on fighting climate change, advancing Indigenous reconciliation and lifting some Canadians out of poverty.

Canada's ruling Liberal Party is looking for a new leader to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who announced on Jan. 6 he intended to step down. The Liberal Party will pick a new chief on March 9.