Canadian cabinet minister Karina Gould on Saturday said she would take part in the contest to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as leader of the ruling Liberal Party.

Chrystia Freeland, whose abrupt resignation as finance minister last month forced Justin Trudeau's exit as prime minister, said she is running to be the next leader of the Liberal Party and prime minister of Canada.

Justin Trudeau announced Monday that he was also stepping down as leader of Canada’s Liberal Party. He will remain in both roles until a replacement is chosen.

Justin Trudeau's leadership has faced significant challenges in the wake of the COVID crisis, leading to a loss of confidence among Canadians from various backgrounds.

Canada’s prime minister officially announced his resignation at a press conference outside his home in Ottawa on Monday morning.

By David Ljunggren (Reuters) - 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.

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

Gould, who represents the riding of Burlington, made the announcement on Saturday with a video and launched a campaign website