In the English election debate, Liberal Leader Mark Carney presented himself as a safe pair of hands for a country in crisis, while Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre framed him as more of the same after a decade of Liberal government. Carney, leading in the polls, became the main target of attacks from all his rivals, carrying over from the French language debate. Poilievre repeatedly tried to link Carney to former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, accusing him of contributing to the “lost Liberal decade” by providing advice on the economy. Carney refuted these claims, highlighting his experience as a central bank governor during global financial crises and shifting the focus to his qualifications.
Poilievre pointed out the number of Trudeau-era ministers, MPs, and advisers on Carney’s team, questioning if Canadians were prepared to elect the same individuals for a fourth term. The Conservative leader accused the Liberals of being hostile towards Canada’s energy sector and promised to repeal anti-energy laws and high taxes. There was also confusion during the debate when Carney appeared to mix up Keystone with the Trans Mountain pipeline purchase. The other party leaders, trailing in the polls, tried to assert themselves and land blows, with the NDP leader criticizing Carney’s response to U.S. tariffs and the purchase of Trans Mountain.
The Bloc Québécois leader challenged Carney to prove he was different from Trudeau by disclosing his financial assets, an issue that has been contentious throughout the campaign. Carney has refused to reveal his assets, citing compliance with ethics rules for public office holders. Poilievre defended his tough-on-crime policies, including using the notwithstanding clause to suspend Charter rights for multiple murderers, which Carney argued goes against the purpose of the Charter in protecting Canadians from government abuse of power. The debate commission abruptly cancelled post-debate question sessions with journalists following a conflict with right-wing activists, including Rebel News.
Throughout the debate, Carney insisted that the biggest threat to affordability and the economy is the “Trump crisis,” emphasizing the need for a strong bilateral relationship with the U.S. given President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies. Poilievre highlighted the Liberal government’s alleged anti-energy stance and criticism of the economy, vowing to repeal laws and taxes harmful to the sector. The NDP leader targeted both Carney and Poilievre, emphasizing his party’s achievements in introducing dental care and pharmacare programs. The Green party was excluded from the debates for not running sufficient candidates, leaving the other leaders to engage in verbal jousting on various issues.
The exchange between Carney and Poilievre dominated the debate, with Poilievre attempting to link Carney to Trudeau’s policies, while Carney defended his record as a central bank governor and emphasized his economic successes. The leaders of the other parties tried to make an impact, with the NDP leader focusing on affordability and social programs, and the Bloc Québécois leader challenging Carney on transparency. The Conservative leader faced scrutiny over his crime policies, contrasting with Carney’s position on protecting fundamental rights. The debate was marked by tense exchanges and disagreements on key policy issues, with the leaders seeking to differentiate themselves and gain support from undecided voters in the lead-up to the election.
