Hecklers interrupt Freeland’s leadership campaign launch, Gould pledges carbon freeze

TORONTO — Former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland has launched her bid to be the next federal Liberal leader while staring down multiple hecklers.

Freeland’s speech in Toronto to launch her candidacy for party leadership was interrupted several times by protesters with at least one banner and a flag related to Gaza.

Freeland says she will seek re-election as a Liberal MP regardless of whether she wins party leadership, and says all other contenders should make the same pledge.

Another recent federal minister, Karina Gould, also launched her leadership bid this morning, saying she is stepping down as House leader and plans to freeze the federal carbon price but not abolish it.