The French-language leaders’ debate delivered spirited exchanges and sharp contrasts on major policy issues, personal leadership styles, and even a few lighter moments. Taking the stage were Liberal Leader Mark Carney, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet. Green Party co-leader Jonathan Pedneault, originally expected to participate, was dropped from the debate due to party eligibility changes.
Here are the key moments that defined the night:
1. Carney targeted early by Blanchet over U.S. trade talks
Carney’s pitch that he’s the best leader to face Donald Trump in trade negotiations was quickly challenged by Blanchet, who mocked his past with Brookfield Asset Management. “You say you’re a negotiator — perhaps with tax havens — but when it comes to trade agreements, I haven’t seen the proof,” Blanchet jabbed. Carney countered by citing his early success lifting interprovincial trade barriers.
2. Minority government push sparks fiery exchanges
Both the Bloc and NDP positioned themselves as kingmakers, urging voters to support more of their candidates in a potential minority parliament. Singh accused the Bloc of ineffectiveness, likening them to the monarchy. He also cornered Carney on oil subsidies. Carney said he would end them, prompting Singh to claim a win—although Carney quickly clarified that this was not a policy shift.
3. Housing showdown between Carney, Poilievre, and Singh
Poilievre hammered Carney on housing, claiming his promises echoed Trudeau’s failures. Carney, defending his recent leadership, accused Poilievre of promoting a “free-for-all” housing plan. Singh joined in, ridiculing Poilievre’s past record in Harper’s cabinet: “You built six homes,” Singh said, citing government-led affordable housing starts. The real number is debated, but neither Singh’s nor Poilievre’s figure tells the full story.
4. Pipeline confrontation between Poilievre and Blanchet
The environment segment escalated when moderator Patrice Roy asked Poilievre if he would force pipeline construction over Indigenous or provincial opposition. Poilievre dodged the question, instead calling for “economic sovereignty.” Blanchet shot back, calling his answer “the most empty sentence I’ve ever heard.” Poilievre argued for majority support, prompting concerns about overriding local rights.
5. Heated clash over aid to Gaza
Poilievre said he would cut funding to UNRWA, accusing it of links to terrorism during the October 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel. Singh called the statement “disgusting” and accused Poilievre of wrongly labeling the entire humanitarian agency. The debate highlighted differing approaches to aid, with Singh insisting that UNRWA remains critical for delivering relief in Gaza, despite isolated misconduct under investigation.
6. Leaders dodge costed platform commitments
Roy grilled all four leaders for not releasing fully costed election platforms. With advance voting underway, he questioned their fiscal transparency. Carney and Poilievre promised costed plans “soon,” while Singh accused both parties of planning cuts to services. The Bloc platform is out but not costed, as the party does not aim to form government.
7. A ‘delicious’ moment over strawberries and sovereignty
When asked what U.S. products they were boycotting amid the trade war, Blanchet proudly declared he now buys Quebec strawberries. Carney said he no longer purchases American wine. Singh added apples and strawberries to his boycott list. Poilievre joked, “This is a delicious conversation,” before stating he supports Canadian beef — a rare moment of levity that drew laughter from the crowd.
With just over a week until the federal election and debates continuing in English next, this French-language clash gave voters a clearer view of how each leader plans to navigate global tensions, domestic priorities, and Canada’s future at home and abroad.