Canada election: PM Carney clashes with chief rival Poilievre in first TV debate
Each of the two leaders is fighting to convince voters he is the top choice to deal with Trump’s tariffs and 51st state threats
Prime Minister Mark Carney clashed with his chief rival for the first time during Canada’s election campaign on Wednesday, in a French-language debate that could help determine who wins the April 28 vote and then deals with US tariffs.
Polls show the ruling Liberals, who have been in power for 9½ years, ahead of the Conservatives led by Pierre Poilievre.
Carney has admitted his French is imperfect. Jean-Marc Leger, head of Quebec-based polling firm Leger, said Carney exceeded expectations in a debate that produced no obvious gaffes.
Carney, who served as head of the central banks of both Canada and England, said his experience in dealing with crises makes him the best choice to negotiate with US President Donald Trump, who has said he wants to annex Canada.
Carney briefly served as economic adviser to former Liberal prime minister Justin Trudeau, who Poilievre blames for rising prices and a chronic housing shortage.
“You are just like Justin Trudeau … we need change and you, Mr Carney, are not change,” Poilievre told Carney.