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 deadline for Liberal leadership contestants to file their registration papers has passed — meaning no other challengers can enter the race. The field currently consists of former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney,