Canada's party leaders clash in final debate ahead of election

The leaders of Canada's four major federal parties faced off in their second and final debate on April 18, 2025, as they prepared for the country's snap election scheduled for April 28. The debate encompassed several pressing issues, including the ongoing trade war with the United States, housing affordability, crime, and environmental concerns. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh, and Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet all targeted Liberal leader Mark Carney's association with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, questioning whether Carney could provide a new direction for Canada amidst the challenges facing the nation. Significantly, the leaders were pressed on their strategies for addressing the tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, particularly the 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. The participants acknowledged the complexities of negotiating with the Trump administration while attempting to minimize the impact on Canadian citizens. The Liberal position focused on shifting towards targeted tariffs that would aim to inflict damage on the U.S. economy while safeguarding Canadian interests. As the debate progressed, Singh highlighted the struggles faced by everyday Canadians, tying his policy proposals to personal stories of hardship related to healthcare and rising living costs. Each candidate made an effort to connect with voters, despite the competitive nature of the debate, which was characterized by a mix of direct confrontations and some mollifying tones, a departure from certain aggressive past political encounters in both Canada and the U.S. The debate was not just an opportunity to critique each other's policies but also a platform to outline visions for the future as voters prepare to head to the polls. With the backdrop of pressing national issues like climate change, gun violence, and healthcare reform, the candidates appeared acutely aware that they were vying for the electorate's confidence at a critical juncture. The contributions from Singh, Poilievre, and Blanchet suggested a shift in the political landscape, aiming to challenge the traditional power balance held by the Liberal government. The conversations around Trump’s tariffs, in particular, underscored the looming economic uncertainties that could impact voters' decisions in the forthcoming election, potentially reshaping the political map of Canada as polls indicate waning support for the center-leaning Liberal Party.