OTTAWA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly said Friday she won't run in the Liberal leadership race.

The foreign minister said she is ready to become the first woman to lead the party, but the unjustified threat of tariffs from the president-elect of the United States requires a firm and urgent response.

"I must dedicate every minute of my time and all my energy to defending the interests of Canadians," she said.

The Liberal Party of Canada announced Thursday that the nationwide race to choose the next leader of the party will conclude on March 9.

Joly is the second cabinet minister to bow out. Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc said on Wednesday that he would not be a candidate in the upcoming race, and that with Canada at a crucial juncture in its relationship with the United States, he wants to focus on his job in the cabinet.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Monday he was stepping down and would stay on as prime minister until his successor is chosen.

Governor General Mary Simon has prorogued the parliament until March 24, giving the new prime minister 15 days to make the transition. ■