Montreal : With Canada’s federal election just weeks away on April 28, 2025, the first French-language debate on April 16 saw party leaders fiercely compete to address voter concerns, particularly U.S. tariffs and economic challenges. Liberal Leader Mark Carney, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet faced off, each pitching their vision for navigating the trade storm and domestic issues like housing and jobs.
The debate, a critical moment in the campaign, highlighted the tight race between the Liberals and Conservatives, with polls showing no clear frontrunner.Carney, leveraging his background as a former Bank of England governor, positioned himself as a steady hand to guide Canada through economic uncertainty, but faced scrutiny for his lack of elected experience. Poilievre, aiming to end nine years of Liberal rule, emphasized tax cuts and deregulation but was challenged by Singh, who accused both Carney and Poilievre of neglecting workers impacted by tariffs. Blanchet focused on Quebec’s interests, advocating for regional protections against U.S. trade policies. The debate underscored the tariff issue’s dominance, with leaders grappling to offer concrete solutions amid fears of job losses and rising costs.As the campaign intensifies, the second debate in English on April 17 is expected to further sharpen the contrasts between the parties. For voters, the election is a referendum on who can best shield Canada from external pressures while addressing internal strains like housing shortages and inflation. The leaders’ performances in these debates could sway undecided voters, particularly in battleground regions like Quebec and Ontario, where economic concerns are paramount.
