Canada's Liberal Party will announce Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's successor on Sunday as both party chief and head of the country's government in the midst of a trade war with the United States that could cripple the Canadian economy.

Trudeau announced in January he would step down after more than nine years in power as his approval rating plummeted, forcing the ruling Liberal Party to run a quick contest to replace him.

After decades of bilateral stability, the vote on Canada’s next leader now is expected to focus on who is best equipped to deal with the U.S.