In a highly anticipated French-language debate held on Monday, the candidates competing to succeed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada faced off for the first time. The stage featured four prominent figures: Mark Carney, former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England; Chrystia Freeland, former Finance Minister; Karina Gould, the Liberal government House leader; and businessman Frank Baylis, a former MP.
Trump’s influence on the debate
The impact of U.S. President Donald Trump loomed large over the initial discussions, as the candidates addressed his past threats to impose tariffs on Canadian goods and his controversial suggestion that Canada could become the “51st state.” Freeland, whose resignation as finance minister last December contributed to the decline of Trudeau’s leadership, characterized Trump as “the greatest threat to Canada since World War Two.” Drawing on her governmental experience, Freeland recounted her successful navigation of Trump’s first term, particularly her role in renegotiating the North American free-trade agreement.
“He wants to turn Canada into the 51st state, and it’s no joke,” Freeland asserted. “That is why he is supporting [Russian President] Vladimir Putin’s criminal attempt to redraw Ukraine’s borders.”
Freeland expressed concern that a second term for Trump might pose even greater challenges for Canada, arguing that he seeks to alter the country’s borders as well. To counter potential threats, she and the other candidates advocated for enhanced trade relationships with the European Union and the United Kingdom. Baylis proposed the formation of a “new economic bloc” including Canada, the UK, New Zealand, and Australia, emphasizing their shared values and governance systems.
Candidates’ proposals and responses
Mark Carney, currently leading in the polls, centered his campaign on achieving economic prosperity for Canada by maximizing its resources, such as critical minerals and metals, and aiming to transform the nation into a “superpower of clean energy.” He also suggested removing interprovincial trade barriers to boost economic growth. Carney echoed Freeland’s sentiments regarding the dangers of Trump’s potential second term, highlighting a shift in Trump’s isolationist stance.
“He is more isolationist. He is more aggressive,” Carney remarked. “In the past he wanted our markets. Now he wants our country.” He indicated readiness to impose dollar-for-dollar tariffs on the U.S. if Trump were to proceed with his threats of a 25% tax on all Canadian goods.
Gould, the youngest candidate, aimed to resonate with contemporary voters, underscoring her vision for a Liberal Party that would prioritize affordability in Canadians’ lives. The debate also touched upon the evolving U.S. policy towards Ukraine, with all candidates advocating for continued Canadian support for the war-torn nation. Freeland proposed that funds seized from Russia should be redirected to aid Ukraine, while Carney insisted any discussions regarding Ukraine’s future must involve Ukrainian voices.
As the debate progressed into its latter half, candidates presented their strategies for reducing the federal budget deficit, addressing crime, and increasing military spending. Climate change emerged as a key topic, with both Freeland and Carney expressing their opposition to a carbon tax on consumers, a policy that has faced significant backlash from Canadians.
The candidates critiqued the leader of the Conservative Party, Pierre Poilievre, questioning his capability to defend Canada against Trump’s potential threats. Despite Poilievre leading in national polls, the race has tightened as Trudeau’s resignation looms. The first debate sets the stage for a subsequent English-language debate scheduled for Tuesday, leading up to the Liberal Party’s leadership vote on 9 March. The victor will step into the role of Canada’s prime minister until the next general election, which must occur on or before 20 October.
This French-language debate bears particular significance for Francophone Canadians in Quebec, whose votes are pivotal in determining the next governing party in Canada.