Former central banker Mark Carney picked up a handful of endorsements on Tuesday, including from the government's most vocal climate champion, as the Liberal leadership race whizzes ahead on a tight timeline.

The former governor of the Canadian and British central banks announced he was running to become head of the Liberal Party and prime minister.

Mark Carney, the former governor of Canada's central bank, on Thursday launched his bid to succeed Justin Trudeau as Liberal Party leader and prime minister, immediately becoming a frontrunner in the race.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly has endorsed Mark Carney in the race for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada, arguing the former governor of the Bank of Canada has a "clear vision" for the future.

Liberal leadership hopeful Mark Carney has secured the endorsements of four more current and former cabinet ministers.