The Canada party leaders debate Trump tariffs and their impact on sovereignty, trade, and jobs took center stage in Wednesday’s French-language federal election debate, as the country’s top contenders laid out their plans to tackle US President Donald Trump’s escalating trade war.
The debate, held in Montreal, featured Prime Minister Mark Carney, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, and Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet. It marked a pivotal moment in the short 36-day campaign ahead of Canada’s April 28 election.
Trump’s Shadow Looms Large Over Debate
Moderator Patrice Roy opened by asking each leader to mention two campaign promises unrelated to the U.S., but quickly pivoted to what he called the “elephant in the room” — the Trump-imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. The tariffs exclude items covered under the USMCA but still apply broadly to steel, aluminum, and automobiles. Trump has even joked about Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state, inflaming nationalist sentiment.
Leaders Clash on Trade, Strategy, and Sovereignty
- Mark Carney leaned into his global finance background, touting experience at the Bank of Canada, Bank of England, and in the private sector. “Trump respects people who understand the world and how the private sector works,” he said.
He defended the Liberals’ response to Trump and distanced himself from Justin Trudeau, arguing he had “just arrived” as Prime Minister and brought new leadership. - Pierre Poilievre blamed Liberal mismanagement for weakening Canada’s ability to stand up to U.S. pressure. “We need change. You do not embody change,” he told Carney, while vowing to focus on economic strength and deregulation.
- Jagmeet Singh attacked both front-runners as serving the elite. “Both will cut taxes for millionaires and billionaires,” he said, emphasizing support for workers affected by tariffs.
- Yves-François Blanchet focused on Quebec’s interests, dismissing Carney’s leadership shift: “It’s not because you change the leader that you change your philosophy,” he said.
Other Key Topics: Housing, Energy, Immigration
Beyond U.S. relations, the leaders addressed Canada’s housing crisis, energy policy, and immigration capacity.
- On housing, Poilievre pledged to cut red tape: “We don’t need more bureaucracy, we need more front doors.”
- Carney proposed building climate-resilient, affordable homes while prioritizing “low-carbon, low-risk” oil production.
- On immigration, all agreed Canada must match its intake to infrastructure capacity, as population growth strains services.
Rising asylum seeker flows at the Quebec–U.S. border, linked to Trump’s hardline immigration stance, were also raised.
French Fluency and Public Perception
Carney, whose French fluency was visibly the weakest among the leaders, kept his remarks short and struggled during rapid exchanges. Still, he held firm under pressure as opponents tied him to the Trudeau-era Liberal record.
A moment of levity arose when leaders were asked if they now avoid U.S. grocery products.
- Carney said he had given up American wine.
- Singh and Blanchet boasted of buying Canadian berries.
- Poilievre proudly buys Canadian beef.
Green Party Excluded; NHL Reschedules Debate
The Green Party was excluded from the debate for failing to meet electoral commission thresholds, sparking backlash from its co-leader, who called the move “undemocratic.” Meanwhile, the debate start time was moved forward two hours to avoid a scheduling conflict with the Montreal Canadiens’ NHL playoff game.
What’s Next?
The English-language debate on Thursday is expected to draw a larger national audience. With the Liberals narrowly leading in polls, especially in Quebec, Carney’s performance could determine whether the nationalist swing brought on by Trump’s pressure translates into a fourth Liberal term — or opens the door for change.
