With the deadline looming for candidates to enter the Liberal Party leadership race, Milton MP Adam van Koeverden has ruled out a bid for the top job, opting instead to focus on representing his riding and supporting the party’s future direction.
“I'm not planning to contest for the leadership of the Liberal Party,” van Koeverden said after a transit funding announcement at Milton Town Hall on Monday (Jan. 13). “I'm looking forward to that contest of ideas because it's where Canadians — in a democratic way — will have an opportunity to weigh in on the type of country they would like going forward.”
He credited the party’s ambitious, forward-thinking approach for putting Canada in a better position today than it was 15 or 20 years ago.
“A lot of people want folks to feel as though Canada's broken. I disagree. Canada is the best country in the world,” he said, adding that while challenges remain, governments should prioritize real solutions over empty slogans.
Asked about qualities he believes the next leader should have, van Koeverden stressed the importance of taking a firm stance against U.S. rhetoric framing Canada as a potential '51st state.'
He voiced concerns over the rise of imperialist approach from right-wing populists like Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, criticizing their tactics of encroaching on other nations’ sovereignty and weaponizing disinformation.
“Canada is a unique country. We're a sovereign country, and we can't tolerate this kind of imperialism,” he said. “I'm interested in honesty, hard work, collaboration, teamwork and compassion and recognizing that people will always have challenges. Canadians are known to meet the moment when the snow starts falling. We look for our shovels. We don't run away from the snow. And that's the type of leader that Canada is looking for.”
van Koeverden added that the country needs leaders who focus on real policy solutions, not just politics. He argued that Canada’s strength and influence come from global engagement and cautioned against adopting an isolationist mindset.
Despite some Halton-area MPs choosing not to run for re-election, van Koeverden is fully committed to seeking another term in the new Burlington North-Milton West riding.
“I’m in it 100 per cent. I want to continue to serve my country and my community. I'm focused on better results and outcomes for Canadians and Miltonians,” he said.
Reflecting on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s tenure, van Koeverden pointed to some key accomplishments, including pandemic management, economic resilience and social progress — particularly programs like the Canada Child Benefit that have lifted over half a million children out of poverty.
He noted Canada has seen the highest employment rate in its history over the past nine years, with more Canadians working and lower poverty levels — partly due to innovative policies — including increased workforce participation by women through childcare support.
He added that emissions have been reduced to levels not seen since the early '90s, while efforts to tackle the climate crisis continue.