Montreal was the stage for the first of two high-stakes leadership debates for the Liberal Party of Canada on February 24, 2025. Candidates Frank Baylis, Mark Carney, Chrystia Freeland, and Karina Gould gathered on this significant evening, each aiming to succeed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as party leader and potentially the next prime minister.
Former TVA-Québec anchor Pierre Jobin hosted the French-language debate from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., guiding the candidates through various key issues impacting Canadians. With the political climate tense as elections loom, these debates are the only chances for voters to see candidates interact directly and present their visions for the country.
Minutes before the debate commenced, Liberal Party national director Azam Ishmael confirmed the disqualification of Ruby Dhalla from the race, stating, “This evening, after an exchange of written submissions and an oral hearing, the party’s permanent appeals committee confirmed the decision of the leadership vote committee to disqualify Ruby Dhalla from the leadership race.” This unexpected development has thrown additional spotlight on the remaining candidates, as Dhalla expressed her disappointment on social media, noting, “I love Quebec and was looking forward to sharing my vision during the debate.”
The format of the debates has been carefully planned. Moderator Hannah Thibedeau shared insights on the night’s structure, where candidates would answer identical questions on several topics chosen by registered Liberals. She commented, “You never know what will come up in those,” emphasizing the unpredictable nature of live debates.
This year's slate of candidates brings diverse backgrounds and experiences. Carney, also known for his tenure as governor of central banks in both Canada and England, has emerged as the presumed front-runner. His campaign has focused on addressing economic issues, housing, and climate action, allowing him to resonate with Liberal supporters concerned about these pressing matters.
Supporters rallied outside the venue, eagerly awaiting Carney's arrival, brandishing signs and chanting his name. Yet, as the debate kicked off, all eyes were on the candidates as they presented their views on topics ranging from Canada-U.S. relations to strategies for strengthening Canada’s economy and improving health care services.
Thibedeau noted the significance of the themes being discussed, focusing on Canada’s place on the global stage amid increasing threats from the U.S., including potential tariffs and political pressures. Candidates were expected to address how to forge relationships and safeguard Canadian interests during potentially turbulent interactions with the Biden administration.
The discussion also encompassed issues such as affordability and housing crises, with candidates required to articulate their approaches to these challenges. The need for effective climate action loomed large as well, particularly concerns over rising temperatures and environmental impacts affecting Canadians both now and for future generations.
The dynamic nature of these debates allowed candidates to engage not just with each other, but also directly with the electorate, who are eager to understand how leadership will steer Canada forward. Alongside Baylis’ commitment to protecting the French language—shared just before the debate with posts on X—were the candidates’ prioritizations of national unity and language representation at play.
The stakes are high as voting is set to begin shortly, and advance voting opens on February 26. With participants addressing the heavy expectations from voters watching intently, this first debate of two is poised to shape the future of the Liberal Party significantly.
Looking toward the future, the Liberals have also been receiving attention from the opposition. Conservative House leader Andrew Scheer stated, “Canadians will be watching to see what Mark Carney is actually proposing,” highlighting the challenges Carney may face as the campaign intensifies. He insinuated skepticism around whether Carney's proposals would deviate significantly from the Liberal policies of the past decade.
With the leadership decision set to be announced on March 9, the candidates are aware of the urgency presented by this limited window to connect with voters and distinguish themselves from both each other and the political past represented by Trudeau’s tenure.
These debates serve not just as forums for discussion but as pivotal moments dictifying the future framework of the party and potentially impacting the overarching political environment as national elections loom.