Frontrunners include Chrystia Freeland and Mark Carney, who are making the case they can guide Canada through domestic and international issues. At the top of the list: mounting trade tensions with the United States.

The four candidates vying to become the next leader of Canada’s Liberal party have made the case during a debate why they are best suited to deal with U.S.

Carney secured a win in the first ballot in a race that was triggered after Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced his intention to step down in early January after a mounting caucus revolt and the resignation of Chrystia Freeland from the cabinet.