In the French language election debate, the four main federal party leaders discussed policy priorities unrelated to the United States. However, the conversation quickly turned to Donald Trump and how they would deal with the U.S. president. The leaders sparred over responding to the trade war with the U.S. and presented themselves as the best candidate to negotiate with Trump. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre suggested opening negotiations with Trump to end tariffs, while Liberal Leader Mark Carney emphasized the need for Canada to plan for the worst-case scenario and build a stronger economy. Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet advocated for aligning with countries affected by U.S. tariffs and negotiating rationally, while NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh emphasized the importance of investing in priorities like agriculture, culture, and health care.
The party leaders were also asked which U.S. products they have cut from their daily lives, with other leaders poking fun at Carney for saying he doesn’t buy his own groceries. Carney mentioned cutting out U.S. strawberries, while Singh mentioned avoiding American alcohol. Poilievre mentioned buying Canadian beef. During the debate, Carney highlighted his promise to double housing construction, Poilievre vowed to cut income taxes and the GST on new homes, Blanchet emphasized Quebec’s right to manage its economy using natural resources, and Singh prioritized health care, including dental and pharmacare programs.
The debate was structured around five key topics: the cost of living, energy and climate, the trade war, identity and sovereignty, and immigration and foreign affairs. The Green party was removed from the debate earlier for not fielding candidates in enough ridings. The leaders each presented their plans and strategies for addressing these issues, emphasizing their strengths and visions for Canada’s future. They discussed how to navigate the challenges posed by the current political climate, including the trade war with the U.S., and how to strengthen Canada’s economy and international relationships.
Overall, the debate focused on the leaders’ responses to the current political landscape, particularly in relation to the United States and the challenges posed by the Trump administration. Each leader presented their ideas for addressing issues like trade, economic strength, health care, and the environment. The leaders also touched on the importance of prioritizing Canadian resources and industries, such as agriculture and culture. The debate highlighted the different approaches and priorities of each party leader, offering voters insight into their policies and plans for the future of Canada.
The debate also showcased the leaders’ personal responses and choices when it comes to products of U.S. origin, providing a lighter moment in the discussion. Despite differences in approach and philosophy, the leaders engaged in a lively and informative debate, presenting their visions for Canada’s future in a nuanced and engaging manner. The conversation touched on a range of important topics, from economic policies to social programs, and provided voters with a better understanding of each leader’s platform. The debate demonstrated the complexity of the issues facing Canada and the diverse perspectives on how to address them.
