Former Trudeau ally Freeland enters race to be Canada PM [Video]

Canada’s former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland launched her campaign Sunday to replace Justin Trudeau as Liberal Party leader and prime minister, pitching herself as the best option to oppose incoming US president Donald Trump.

Freeland had been one of Trudeau’s closest allies in government since the Liberals swept into office in 2015, also serving four years as finance minister until her dramatic resignation last month.

In a scathing resignation letter, she accused Trudeau of putting his own political interest above the urgent need to prepare Canada for the potential threats of the incoming Trump administration, including a possible trade war.

Freeland’s departure was seen as a devastating blow that pushed Trudeau to announce his plans to leave office.

Trudeau has said he will stay on as a caretaker prime minister until the Liberals choose a new leader, which is expected on March 9.

At an event officially launching her …