BREAKING: Canadian Leaders Clash Over Trump, Tariffs and Economy in Fiery First Election Debate
The leaders of Canada’s four main political parties came face-to-face Wednesday night in the country’s first televised debate of the federal election campaign, trading sharp words over energy, housing, and especially their approaches to US President Donald Trump and his protectionist policies.
The French-language debate — a pivotal moment in the 36-day campaign — was held in Quebec, a province rich in seats and critical to any party’s path to victory. It was also a key test for Liberal leader and current Prime Minister Mark Carney, whose French skills were noticeably weaker than his opponents and whose answers were often brief and occasionally unclear in the rapid-fire format.
Moderated by Radio-Canada journalist Patrice Roy, the debate opened with a nod to the elephant in the room: Trump. “Canada’s election has been hijacked by Trump,” Roy said, before pressing the candidates for campaign pledges unrelated to the US Still, the conversation quickly turned to the president’s sweeping 25% tariffs on Canadian goods and his provocative suggestion that Canada should become the 51st US state.
Carney, a former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor, emphasised his global economic credentials in dealing with the Trump administration. “Trump respects people who understand the world and how the private sector works,” he said, presenting himself as the most experienced leader on the international stage.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, however, used the moment to blast the Liberal record, blaming a decade of Liberal governance for leaving Canada vulnerable. “You’ve weakened our economy,” he said, accusing Carney of clinging to the legacy of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who stepped down last month.
Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet, playing to the home crowd, dismissed Carney’s claims of change within the Liberal party. “It’s not because you change the leader that you change your philosophy,” he said, questioning the sincerity of any new direction.
Jagmeet Singh of the New Democratic Party (NDP) targeted both Carney and Poilievre, claiming neither would protect Canadian workers affected by the trade war. “Both will cut taxes for millionaires and billionaires,” Singh said, arguing that only the NDP would prioritize average Canadians.
The debate also featured lighter moments. When asked whether they were personally boycotting US products — as many Canadians reportedly are in protest — Carney admitted he no longer buys US wine. Singh and Blanchet proudly said they prefer Canadian berries, and Poilievre quipped that he’s sticking with Canadian beef.
While the debate will have limited reach outside Quebec due to the language, it was a critical proving ground for Carney, who faces high expectations as the newly installed Liberal leader. A second debate in English — expected to draw a broader national audience — will take place Thursday, ahead of the 28 April vote.
With polls showing a narrow Liberal lead, much could still hinge on Carney’s performance as he works to distance himself from his predecessor and solidify support in key battlegrounds.
