OTTAWA — Liberal leadership candidates are set to face off tonight for the first time during a French-language debate, with high stakes for their political ambitions amid pressing national issues. The debate will commence at 8 p.m. at a studio in Montreal, moderated by former TVA-Québec anchor Pierre Jobin.
Four candidates are officially vying for the position: Mark Carney, former governor of the Bank of Canada; Chrystia Freeland, former finance minister; Karina Gould, former House leader; and Frank Baylis, ex-Liberal MP. They aim to win over party members as the race for leadership culminates with the election scheduled for March 9, 2025.
The absence of big-name contenders has already set this debate apart. Many have recalled figures like Jean Chrétien and Justin Trudeau, who have historically held significant sway over Quebec. Instead, this election features candidates from diverse regions, giving it a new flavor as they address issues facing Canadians.
Tonight's debate plans to cover pivotal themes including Canada-U.S. relations, economic policies, affordability, housing, and health care, as noted by the Liberal Party. According to Jobin, there will be six questions on each topic, and candidates will have one minute to respond or five minutes for counter-arguments.
Notably, Mark Carney, considered the front-runner, has ramped up his efforts to connect with voters, especially Francophones. His campaign recently released new proposals, such as capping immigration levels and leveraging artificial intelligence for public service efficiency. Carney has even engaged in French language enrichment activities, including spin classes conducted entirely in French.
"We hope to show more of his personality, getting across his sharp and humorous side," said a source close to Carney. "Presenting himself authentically is key to appealing to Liberal voters." Meanwhile, Freeland’s team is focusing on her roots by promoting her rural background, with plans to draw on her experiences through advertisements and addressing significant policy changes, particularly her stance on agricultural supply management.
Karina Gould, meanwhile, is recognized as the younger, dynamic candidate. She has highlights affordability issues and aims to broaden the eligibility criteria for Canada's employment insurance system, among other reforms. Observers anticipate Gould taking on her opponents, particularly Carney, on issues linked to his previous financial leadership.
"We expect her to challenge him directly and address his past spending habits during his time as governor of the Bank of England," reported sources close to Gould.
The debate has already stirred drama prior to its commencement. Former candidate Ruby Dhalla was disqualified after being found to have committed multiple violations of the party's campaign rules, prompting her appeal. Dhalla expressed disappointment over missing this significant opportunity to voice her platform, especially considering she had anticipated engaging with voters during this debate.
For many Canadians watching, this debate will be foundational, particularly for those unfamiliar with the candidates’ stances and capabilities to converse effectively on pressing issues, especially those expressed mainly through the lens of French. Historically, Quebec's votes have been pivotal for the Liberal Party, and the current political atmosphere reflects potential shifts as the Liberal Party aims to reclaim the support lost during Trudeau’s leadership.
Debate moderator Jobin emphasizes the unpredictability this format can bring. “You never know what will arise during these exchanges; the candidates will certainly be answering questions from their heart,” he noted during interviews. "Both instrumental and challenging, this debate will test not just their policies, but also their ability to articulate them under pressure."
This evening's showdown is only the first of two debates, with the English-language counterpart slated for the following evening, where candidates will once again engage with specific themes and continue vying for the spotlight under the scrutiny of voters prior to the leadership vote. Anxious supporters have already begun gathering at the venue, showing the excitement surrounding this momentous occasion for the Liberal Party.