The race to replace Justin Trudeau as leader of Canada’s ruling Liberal Party – and as the country’s prime minister – is well under way, with seven candidates throwing their names into contention. The leadership hopefuls had until Thursday evening to meet a deadline to formally submit their candidacies before the party picks its new chief on March 9.

The federal Liberals are running their first leadership race in more than a decade to replace the departing Justin Trudeau. Candidates had to declare by 5 p.m. ET on Jan. 23 with a $50,000 deposit towards a $350,

The former central banker for the UK and Canada pitched himself as a someone who can help a country navigate economic challenges.