The leaders of the four major federal parties in Canada were interrogated regarding their response to US President Donald Trump and clashed in energy and housing in the first televised discussion on the country’s electoral campaign.
It represents the French language confrontation with a major moment in the elections, as it gave leaders an opportunity to attract voters in the rich seat province of Quebec.
It was also a major test of liberal leader Mark Carney, who has made a slight progress in opinion polls, but French is the weakest among federal leaders. Sometimes he struggled to clarify his points on the stage.
There is another discussion in English on Thursday, before the Canadians voted on April 28.
On the stage, the main candidates of the four party were the liberal leader, the current Prime Minister Carne, the conservative leader Pierre Boelifer, the leader of Bloc Québécois Yif Francois Blanche, and the leader of the new Democratic Party (NDP), Jaghmit Singh.
The debate was supervised by the radio journalist and Canada Patrice Roy.
Mr. Roy opened the forum by saying that the 36 -day federal elections in Canada were “kidnapped by Trump”, and he asked each leader to determine a promise of two campaigns that have nothing to do with the United States or definitions.
But shortly after that, Mr. Roy fell into a question about how to deal with each party with the trade war with the United States, describing it as “elephant in the room.”
Trump implemented a 25 % tariff on Canada, with a USMCA -covered products – a free trade deal in North America. Canada was also exposed to the United States’ World tariff for steel, aluminum and cars.
The President also publicly thought that Canada would become the 51st American state.
Polilifer, from opposition governors, has accused the rulers of rulers of weakening the country over the past decade, making Canada more vulnerable to economic threats.
Carney described his experience as a former banker of Canada and the United Kingdom, as well as his time in the private sector.
“[Trump] “He respects people who understand the world and how the private sector works,” Carney said.
Singh, from the left -wing National Democratic Party, sought to draw Poilievre and Carney as a wrong option for Canadians whose functions may be affected by American definitions.
“Both will reduce taxes on millionaires and billionaires,” he said.
For Carne, it could have been said that the discussion between the French language was the first major test of the campaign traine.
Another discussion will take place on Thursday night with the competitors, they speak English.
This forum will be seen on a broader scale in the country, but the risks were high on Wednesday for Liberal Carney, who are leading in Quebec where the majority of Canadian speaking in French live.
He was the weakest French on the stage, and he often kept his answers brief and sometimes he struggled to get his points in the form of discussion with opportunities for fast exchanges.
He also faced the most common attacks as others’ leaders tried to link him to the liberal registry of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who resigned last month.
“We are still talking about the same party, the same gathering.”
He added: “It is not because you change the leader who changed your philosophy.”
Carney replied that he had achievements, although he was the constitutional oath only last month. He said he had just arrived. ”
There was a moment of lifting when Mr. Roy asked the leaders if they were buying fewer American products – like many Canadians in the face of definitions – at the grocery store.
Carney admitted in an early interview this month that he did not get his groceries when asked whether he still buys strawberries.
Singh and Blanchett said they bought the Canadian berries. Carney said he abandoned wine, while Poilievre said he was buying Canadian beef.
Trump was not the only issue on the agenda. The leaders were asked about their plan to address the housing crisis in Canada, and how it will balance the climate and the economy.
On housing, Poilievre pledged to reduce taxes and a red tape that says it is an obstacle to home construction.
“We do not need more bureaucracy, we need more front doors,” the conservative leader said in a blow to Carney.
But the two found a common ground for energy, saying that the country should increase oil and gas production.
Carney said the climate is still a priority for his party, adding that he would focus on the production of “low risk”, “low carbon”.
On immigration, there was also a wide agreement that Canada should consider its ability to integrate new arrivals and asylum seekers.
Canada has seen a quick population boom in recent years, and has struggled with social infrastructure and housing to catch up with.
Canadian border officials recently indicated a rise in asylum seekers looking to cross the border in Quebec, USA as a result of the strict immigration policies in the Trump administration.
Absent from the discussion stage was the Greens Party. In a decision at the last minute by the discussion committee, it was excluded for not fulfilling the standards by not supporting the candidates in at least 90 % of the federal contestants in Canada or electoral districts.
The party, which had two deputies in Parliament when the elections was called, failed to meet the threshold of at least 4 % in national support.
The Commander of the Green Party, Jonathan Bidnollet, described the committee’s decision “unfounded” and “non -democratic”.
It was not the only change in the discussion.
On Tuesday, the time was officially moved forward for two hours to accommodate the NHL game between Montreal Kindins and Carolina hurricanes, with a spot in the Stanley Cup match at stake.