‘Canadians discuss who will confront Mr. Trump’: US crisis overshadows leaders’ debate in Canada | Canada

Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that the key topic in Canada’s upcoming election is who is best equipped to deal with Donald Trump, during a French-language leaders’ debate on Wednesday. This was his first debate with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre since Carney was elected Liberal leader in March. Poilievre argued that Canada needs change after a decade of Liberal rule and accused Carney of being similar to his predecessor, Justin Trudeau. Carney responded that the question is who will face Trump in the election. The debate took place in Montreal, a predominantly French-speaking city, and is significant because the province is crucial to victory. Poilievre is urging Canadians not to give the Liberals a fourth term and hopes to make the election a referendum on Trudeau. However, Carney emphasized his focus on growing the economy and highlighted that the Liberal party has gained support in recent polls. The French debate was moved up to avoid conflicting with a Montreal Canadiens hockey game, which could secure the team a spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs. The English language debate will be held on Thursday evening.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/17/who-is-going-to-face-mr-trump-canada-leaders-debate-dominated-by-us-crisis