Montreal (Rajeev Sharma): The spotlight was on Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre Thursday night as Canada’s leading political voices went head-to-head in the only English-language debate of the federal election, with US President Donald Trump and his economic policies dominating the conversation.
Set against the backdrop of escalating US tariffs, the four major federal parties gathered in Montreal to pitch their platforms just days before advance polls open. The tone was combative, particularly between Liberal leader Mark Carney and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, as both vied to prove they’re best equipped to counter the Trump administration’s aggressive trade stance.
Trump at the Center of the Storm
Moderator Steve Paikin launched the debate with a question that has defined the campaign so far: how would each leader handle Trump’s sweeping tariffs and protectionist agenda?
Both Carney and Poilievre agreed that Canada must respond with strength, including the continuation of counter-tariffs. But their visions of leadership and economic resilience diverged sharply.
“President Trump wants to reshape global trade in his image. Canada must assert control over its own economic future, not react from a position of weakness,” Carney stated, repeatedly circling the discussion back to US-Canada relations throughout the debate.
Poilievre countered by agreeing on the need for retaliatory trade measures but added his focus would be on tax cuts, streamlining regulations, and pushing forward energy and resource projects to project strength internationally. “Only a strong domestic economy will give us leverage,” he said.
Heated Exchanges and Personal Jabs
With the debate stage strategically arranged, Poilievre and Carney stood side-by-side, setting the scene for a series of direct confrontations. Poilievre frequently turned to Carney, pressing him on policy and ideology, while Carney often addressed viewers instead of his opponent.
At one point, Carney took a swipe at Poilievre’s long-standing criticism of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and carbon pricing: “You spent years fighting Trudeau and the carbon tax… well, they’re both gone now.”
Poilievre, in turn, painted Carney as a continuation of the past. “Mark Carney represents a fourth Liberal term,” he said. “That’s not change.”
Policy Focus: Affordability, Housing, and Crime
The debate moved into domestic concerns such as affordability, housing, and public safety. These bread-and-butter issues gave the leaders a chance to pitch their tangible plans to Canadians struggling with rising costs.
Poilievre used a housing question to speak directly to younger voters: “If you’re dreaming of owning a home, I’m fighting for you,” he said, outlining his strategy to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and boost home construction.
Carney, meanwhile, explained that the housing crisis was a key motivator for his entry into politics. “I’m here to help fix the affordability crisis, and I believe we can,” he said.
