Four federal leaders clashed in Montreal during the first French-language debate, diving into a wide range of topics like housing, the environment, the U.S. trade war, and even strawberries. Liberal Leader Mark Carney, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh took the stage, while Green Party co-leader Jonathan Pedneault was excluded last minute by the debate commission.
Blanchet opened with a jab at Carney’s political inexperience, challenging his credibility on international trade and referencing his past with Brookfield Asset Management. Carney responded by highlighting his recent success in negotiating interprovincial trade deals. As the debate evolved, both Blanchet and Singh pushed for voters to support minority governments, positioning their parties as critical influencers in Parliament. Singh emphasized the NDP’s achievements under the previous minority setup, especially pressuring Carney on fossil fuel subsidies—earning a momentary commitment from the Liberal leader before Carney clarified his position wasn’t new.
Housing became a heated issue as Poilievre slammed the Liberals for recycling promises and prioritizing bureaucracy over building. Singh attacked Poilievre’s housing record from his time in Stephen Harper’s cabinet, claiming only six homes were built—a statement that sparked a fact-check tug-of-war between them. Carney later criticized the Conservative housing plan, suggesting it promoted a survival-of-the-fittest approach.
Environmental policy and pipeline projects led to a fiery exchange between Poilievre and Blanchet. When asked if he would force pipeline development through resistant jurisdictions, Poilievre offered a vague answer, prompting Blanchet to call it “nonsense.” Poilievre responded by invoking energy sovereignty and support for a pan-Canadian pipeline.
International aid surfaced late in the debate. Poilievre said he would cut funding to UNRWA, citing links to Hamas—a group designated as a terrorist organization by Canada. Singh denounced Poilievre’s generalization as “disgusting,” defending the organization’s role in Gaza. He emphasized that painting the entire agency as terrorist based on the actions of a few was inappropriate.
Throughout the night, moderator Patrice Roy repeatedly challenged all leaders on the lack of costed platforms, especially with advance voting already underway. Poilievre and Carney pledged to release their plans soon, while Singh accused both major parties of planning service cuts. The Bloc has released a platform, but without a full costing.
In a lighter moment, Roy asked leaders what U.S. goods they avoid to support Canadian products. Blanchet proudly mentioned Quebec strawberries, while Carney—more prepared than in a past interview—said he avoids American wine. Singh named strawberries and apples. Poilievre wrapped up the exchange with a grin, calling it a “delicious conversation” and voicing support for Canadian beef.
