OTTAWA - In a highly anticipated French-language election debate held on April 16, 2025, the four main federal party leaders of Canada engaged in a lively discussion, outlining their policy priorities while strategically avoiding the overarching presence of U.S. President Donald Trump. The debate, moderated by Patrice Roy from Radio-Canada, revolved around five key topics: the cost of living, energy and climate, the trade war, identity and sovereignty, and immigration and foreign affairs.
Liberal Leader Mark Carney opened the debate with a promise to double housing construction, aiming to address the pressing housing crisis that has gripped many Canadians. "We need to ensure that every Canadian has access to affordable housing," Carney stated, emphasizing the urgency of the issue.
On the other side of the aisle, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre articulated his commitment to cutting income taxes and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on new homes. "We must put more money back in the pockets of Canadians to help them achieve their dream of home ownership," Poilievre asserted, framing his party's approach as a means to stimulate the economy.
Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet positioned himself as a champion for Quebec's autonomy, insisting that the province should have the right to manage its own economy utilizing its natural resources. "Quebec knows best how to govern itself and its resources, and we must be allowed to do so without interference," Blanchet declared.
Meanwhile, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh prioritized health care, highlighting his party's previous efforts to secure dental and pharmacare programs. "Health care is a right, not a privilege, and we must ensure that every Canadian has access to the medical services they need," Singh emphasized. His focus on health care resonated with many voters concerned about the rising costs of medical services.
The leaders kicked off the debate with a spirited exchange over the trade war with the United States, each vying to present themselves as the most capable negotiators in dealing with Trump. This contentious topic underscored the importance of international relations in the upcoming election.
Notably, the Green Party was excluded from the debate earlier that day after it failed to field candidates in at least 70 percent of the ridings. This decision sparked discussions about representation and the role of smaller parties in the electoral process.
As the debate unfolded, it became clear that the leaders were keenly aware of the public's concerns regarding living costs and economic stability. The focus on these issues reflects the ongoing challenges faced by Canadians in a rapidly changing economic landscape.
In a related political landscape, the Bank of Canada was also set to announce an interest rate decision on the same day as the debate. Following a recent cut to the policy rate, market speculation was rife regarding whether the central bank would hold steady or implement further cuts amid concerns over the trade war's impact on the economy. The inflation rate had recently cooled to 2.3 percent, providing a glimmer of hope for consumers facing rising prices.
Meanwhile, Quebec's Ministry of Health announced it was on the verge of declaring its measles outbreak over, a significant development as cases surged in other provinces. The province reported no new infections since March 18, 2025, and if this trend continues, the outbreak could officially be declared over by April 19, 2025.
In stark contrast, Ontario has been grappling with a severe outbreak, reporting over 800 cases since the fall of 2024, while Alberta has recorded 74 cases since early March. These developments highlight the varying public health challenges across the country.
In a separate incident, a hit-and-run on the Toronto Metropolitan University campus left four individuals injured. The police reported that the driver appeared to target a specific person before fleeing the scene, raising concerns about safety on college campuses.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the return of "Project Runway Canada" after a 15-year hiatus is set to add a splash of creativity to the cultural scene. The show will feature ten episodes, with production commencing this summer at Toronto Metropolitan University. Supermodel Coco Rocha and TV personality Jeanne Beker have been announced as judges, bringing star power to the competition.
As the election date approaches on April 28, 2025, the debates will play a critical role in shaping voter perceptions and party strategies. With pressing issues like housing, health care, and international relations at the forefront, Canadians will be closely watching how their leaders respond to these challenges.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on April 16, 2025.
