Contenders aiming to succeed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada engaged in their initial face-off during a French-language debate on Monday.
Taking the stage were four hopefuls: Mark Carney, a former governor of the central banks of Canada and England; Chrystia Freeland, a former Finance Minister; Karina Gould, the Liberal government House leader; and Frank Baylis, a businessman and former Member of Parliament.
The primary focus during the first part of the debate was on addressing the threats posed by Donald Trump, who has made repeated claims of imposing tariffs on Canada and potentially absorbing it as the “51st state.”
In addition to discussing international issues, the candidates also tackled topics such as immigration, healthcare, and the rising cost of living within the country.
Freeland, who resigned as finance minister in December, emphasized the severity of the threat Trump poses to Canada by stating that he is the greatest challenge since World War Two. Drawing on her past experiences in negotiations with Trump, she highlighted the need to be vigilant, especially in light of Trump’s potential second term.
To counter these challenges, Freeland and her fellow candidates proposed strengthening trade partnerships with the European Union and the United Kingdom. Baylis put forward the idea of creating a new economic alliance with Canada, the UK, New Zealand, and Australia based on shared values and systems.
Carney, the front-runner in the polls, focused on fostering economic growth in Canada by harnessing its resources and becoming a leader in clean energy. He also highlighted the need to address Trump’s evolving stance, which has become more isolationist and aggressive.
Gould, the youngest candidate, positioned herself as a leader focused on making life more affordable for Canadians and advancing the party’s agenda for the present and future.
The candidates also discussed Canada’s stance on Ukraine in the wake of shifting US policies. As Trudeau commemorated the anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in Kyiv, the candidates expressed unanimous support for Ukraine and suggested various strategies to assist the country.
The debate concluded with proposals on how to address Canada’s federal budget deficit, showcasing the candidates’ diverse approaches to economic management and policy solutions.
In the current political landscape, the focus has shifted towards key issues such as tackling crime and increasing military spending. Candidates have also addressed concerns surrounding climate change, notably expressing a shift in stance on consumer carbon taxes. This adjustment is in response to the growing discontent among Canadians towards this particular policy of the Trudeau government.
During recent discussions, attention was drawn to Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, with some contenders questioning his ability to safeguard Canada’s interests in the face of challenges, particularly from the likes of former U.S. President Trump. Poilievre’s lead in national polls has been noted, although the gap between his party and the Liberals has notably narrowed following Trudeau’s exit from office. Amidst this changing dynamic, Poilievre has directed his criticism towards another contender, Carney, suggesting that a Liberal Party under his potential leadership would offer little deviation from the status quo under Trudeau.
The first of two scheduled debates took place on Monday, setting the stage for further engagement on crucial policy matters. A subsequent English-language debate is slated for Tuesday, indicating the continued intensity of the political discourse as the Liberal Party gears up to elect its new leader on 9 March, paving the way for Trudeau’s anticipated departure. The significance of the French-language debate cannot be understated, particularly for Francophone Canadians in Quebec, whose voting preferences often sway the outcome of elections and influence the formation of the nation’s next government.
The looming question of who will ascend to the role of Canada’s prime minister until the next general election, mandated to take place on or before 20 October, hangs in the balance. As the country navigates this critical juncture, the electorate remains vested in the outcome of these political deliberations, cognizant of the impact they will have on the nation’s future trajectory.
