Liberal Leadership Candidates Face Off in French Debate, Discussing Trump and Economy

Image credits: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

The Liberal leadership debate began Monday night with the candidates explaining how they would handle the tumultuous relationship with US President Donald Trump and his threats of economic warfare. Former central banker Mark Carney, former finance minister Chrystia Freeland, former government House leader Karina Gould, and former MP Frank Baylis are competing to succeed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the top job. The debate, moderated by ex-TVA-Québec anchor Pierre Jobin, focused on key themes such as Canada's place in the world, building a strong economy, supporting Canadians, climate action, and support for young Canadians.

Carney said that the first step when negotiating trade with the Americans is to be clear about what won’t be on the table: supply management, culture, and water. He emphasized the need to focus on what Canada can control, rather than trying to control President Trump. Freeland, on the other hand, stated that Trump poses a one-in-a-generation threat to Canadian sovereignty, and that she was successful in protecting Canada during his previous presidency. Baylis proposed forming a new economic alliance with the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, and presented a detailed plan to improve Quebec's healthcare system, including forming more nurse practitioners, investing in homecare, and enlarging the practice of pharmacists to give them more diagnosing power. The candidates also discussed their views on immigration, healthcare, and the economy.

The debates are being framed around key themes voted on by the party's registered members. The candidates knew the themes going into the debate but not the specific questions they would be asked. With little time remaining until voting begins and just two weeks before the winner is announced, these debates will be the only opportunities Liberal supporters get to see the candidates together. Advance voting opens Wednesday for party members, and the winner of the race, to be announced March 9, will replace Trudeau as both Liberal leader and prime minister. Based on polls and fundraising to date, Carney is the clear front-runner, with opinion surveys suggesting his candidacy has helped the Liberals close the polling gap with the Conservatives.

The candidates' differing levels of fluency in French underpinned Monday night's debate, with Baylis being the most comfortable in Quebec's official language, closely followed by Gould. The two front-runners, Carney and Freeland, spoke with a careful, slow, and at times awkward rhythm, relying on rehearsed lines and highlighting a limited vocabulary. During a discussion on the future of Israel and the Palestinians, Baylis said that although he supports recognizing the Palestinian state, "that has nothing to do with Hamas. It is all about the people and helping them rebuild their society." Carney interjected to agree but misspoke, saying instead: "We agree with Hamas," before being quickly corrected by Freeland.

A second debate, in English, is set for Tuesday, and opposition Conservatives and New Democrats are keeping a close eye on the debates. The Tories pounced on moments during Monday's event that included Carney refusing to be specific on immigration levels and his French language stumbles. With Parliament scheduled to resume March 24 and the opposition parties vowing to defeat the minority Liberal government, the candidates were asked when they would trigger the next federal election. All four said it will depend on events, with Carney stating that "we don't take a decision before we have to take a decision." The Liberal leadership race is heating up, with the candidates presenting their visions for Canada's future and their ability to lead the country in a rapidly changing world.