The first federal leaders’ debate of the election saw Liberal Leader Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre agreeing that Canada needs new pipelines, but clashing on how to handle the U.S. trade war, affordability, and the broader economy.
The French-language debate, held in Montreal, covered five key areas: energy and climate, the trade dispute with the U.S., affordability, Canadian identity, and immigration. Carney and Poilievre were the dominant voices throughout.
Energy and national security
Carney and Poilievre both framed new pipeline development as a matter of national security, citing Canada’s dependence on U.S. infrastructure to move oil from Alberta to Quebec.
Poilievre pointed out that Alberta oil must travel through the United States before reaching Canadian refineries, giving influence to Donald Trump. Carney agreed, saying the geography of pipelines now creates a security issue.
“Our relationship with the United States has completely changed,” Carney said. “We have to act.”
He added that Canada’s premiers support building a national energy corridor to speed up project approvals and reduce trade barriers.
Bloc Leader Yves-François Blanchet opposed the plan, questioning the financial and environmental cost.
Trump and trade
Dealing with Trump was a recurring theme. Poilievre said that if elected, he would open negotiations with Trump on day one to end tariffs and reset the relationship.
He also promised to reverse Liberal economic policies, unlock resource development, and cut taxes.
Carney said Canada must prepare for instability and work to strengthen ties with new global trade partners.
“Trump respects strength,” Carney said. “He respects people who know how the private sector works.”
Blanchet said Trump’s policies are already hurting the U.S. economy and will collapse under their own weight.
Cost of living and the economy
Carney promoted his plan to double housing construction, while Poilievre promised to cut income taxes and remove GST on new home builds.
Singh focused on public investments, including expanded health and dental care, while Blanchet said Quebec should control its own economic tools.
The English-language debate airs Thursday at 7 p.m. ET.
