The new Liberal leader will become Prime Minister immediately after the March 9 announcement, as the Liberal Party currently holds power. However, this tenure could be short-lived. Parliament resumes on March 24, 2025, and a confidence vote is expected soon after. If the Liberals lose this vote—possible given opposition from the Conservatives, NDP, and others—an early election could be triggered. In that case, the next Prime Minister would depend on the election outcome, with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre currently leading in national polls and viewed as a strong contender to win a general election.