The federal minister Dominic LeBlanc insists that he is not planning a leadership campaign for the Liberal Party's presidency, in the event that the current leader and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigns, seemingly dispelling rumors that he is planning to take a step toward his boss's position.

LeBlanc – who serves as Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs – told CTV's question period host Vassy Kapelos in an interview aired on Sunday that Trudeau should "definitely" remain as Liberal leader in the upcoming elections.

"I believe he is the best person to lead the party in the next election."

The questions came after the Globe and Mail published a column last month stating that a former Liberal minister met with LeBlanc to discuss plans to run for Trudeau's succession if he were to step down as party leader.

The column also noted that "LeBlanc" "enthusiastic" agreed "over whiskey and cigars" to be part of a group to lay the groundwork for a campaign.

LeBlanc told Kapelos: "I had a conversation with an old friend at a friend's house," "I am not organizing a leadership campaign in any way, nor am I looking to run in the upcoming election."

He added: "The Prime Minister has said he will lead the party in the next election, and I am very excited about that."

LeBlanc also mentioned that he "took that retired person's positive comment as a joke," referring to the "friend" who suggested he run for the leadership.

LeBlanc is not the only known Liberal reportedly seeking Trudeau's position. Political observers have long speculated that former Bank of Canada and Bank of England Governor Mark Carney has his eyes on it as well.

Despite his dismissal of these questions, Carney's two public appearances last week – shortly after the federal government released its latest budget – rekindled rumors about the leadership race.