Three more Trudeau cabinet ministers endorse Mark Carney for Liberal leader

Transport Minister Anita Anand, Defence Minister Bill Blair and Housing Minister Nathaniel Erskine-Smith all announced Saturday they're endorsing Mark Carney for federal Liberal leader as more of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet coalesces around the former Bank of Canada governor.

Anand went first. In a video posted to social media, she said she's spoken with Liberals about "what is best at this time in Canada's history. We agree that Mark Carney is the leader Canada needs."

Anand — who announced two weeks ago she won't seek re-election — said she worked with Carney during the 2008 global financial crisis and "saw at that time that Mark has the ability to steer Canada during very difficult times and to ensure that Canada comes out on top."

Then came Blair, who said in a statement posted to social media that Carney "has experience and a proven track record in navigating national economies through tough times. He has shown he can work across party lines, with industry and on the world stage."

Finally, at a Carney campaign event in Toronto, Erskine-Smith said he's supporting Carney because "we need seriousness and we need thoughtfulness. Mark is also someone committed to sustainability — economic sustainability, environmental sustainability."

"In a moment of crisis, you want someone who has experience managing through many, many crises. You've got someone standing beside me in Mark, who has led efforts to help Canada navigate the Great Recession," Erskine-Smith said.

Carney has steadily racked up endorsements from Trudeau's cabinet, outpacing his top rival in the race, former finance minister and deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland.

Saturday's announcements mean 16 ministers are backing Carney's campaign, while Freeland has five.

In an interview with CBC's The House on Friday, Freeland said she's running against the "Ottawa establishment" and that "it's central to my campaign to see this is not about Liberal elites deciding. This is about the grassroots."

Freeland also suggested Carney is the top choice of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

"It is certainly looking like Mark is the choice of the Liberal establishment. It is certainly looking like he is the PMO's candidate," she told host Catherine Cullen.

WATCH | Freeland claims Carney is the top choice of the Prime Minister's Office:

Freeland calls Carney the ‘Liberal establishment’ candidate

2 days ago

Duration 1:37

During an interview with CBC Radio’s The House host Catherine Cullen, Liberal leadership candidate Chrystia Freeland says it’s looking like Mark Carney is the Prime Minister Office’s choice candidate.

When asked if she had any evidence the PMO is supporting Carney's bid, Freeland reiterated it "certainly is seeming that way" but did not provide proof.

The PMO told CBC News on Friday evening that Trudeau and the office "are remaining neutral throughout the Liberal leadership race."

Erskine-Smith said Carney is "certainly not part of the so-called establishment as far as the Liberal Party is concerned." He also described Freeland and another leadership contender, House leader Karina Gould, as "excellent candidates."

Carney told reporters after his campaign event in Toronto that he seems "to be the choice of many of the Liberal MPs for leadership."