Liberal leadership candidates Chrystia Freeland, Frank Baylis, Karina Gould, and Mark Carney at the first French debate. Photo: LPC.
Liberal leadership candidates debated in French Monday night, focusing on Canada’s economic relationship with the U.S. under Donald Trump, health care, and other key policy areas.
The debate, moderated by former TVA-Québec anchor Pierre Jobin, featured Mark Carney, Chrystia Freeland, Karina Gould, and Frank Baylis. Each candidate presented their approach to handling Trump, whose potential return to the White House has raised concerns over trade and diplomacy.
Carney, a former central banker, said Canada must set firm limits in negotiations with the U.S., particularly on supply management, culture, and water. He warned that Trump is now more isolationist and aggressive, stating, “Before, he wanted a piece of our economy. Now, he wants our country.”
Freeland, a former finance minister, called Trump the greatest threat to Canada since World War II. She argued her experience negotiating trade under his previous administration makes her the best candidate to protect Canada. Gould stressed the importance of diversifying trade beyond the U.S., while Baylis dismissed the idea of new negotiations, saying Canada’s existing trade deal should be enforced. Instead, he proposed strengthening ties with the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand.
On health care, Baylis, a medical technology entrepreneur, laid out the most detailed plan, advocating for more nurse practitioners, expanded roles for pharmacists, and greater investment in home care. Freeland suggested recruiting doctors and nurses from the U.S., Carney focused on removing domestic barriers for medical professionals, and Gould pushed for stricter oversight on how provinces spend federal health transfers.
The debate covered a range of topics chosen by Liberal Party members, including economic growth, immigration, climate action, and housing. The candidates were aware of the broad themes in advance but did not receive the specific questions beforehand.
With advance voting set to begin Wednesday and the new leader to be announced on March 9, this debate was one of the last opportunities for Liberal supporters to assess the candidates. Polls indicate Carney is the front-runner, with his campaign drawing Conservative attacks. Conservative House leader Andrew Scheer criticized him ahead of the debate, calling him a continuation of the Trudeau government.
The winner of the race will replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as Liberal leader and prime minister, though a general election is widely expected soon after.
