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Canada's Federal Leaders Debate Rescheduled to Accommodate Hockey Fans

The French-language debate will now begin at 6 p.m. ET on April 16 to avoid overlapping with a pivotal Montreal Canadiens game, reflecting the cultural significance of hockey in Quebec.

This composite image shows, left to right, Liberal Leader Mark Carney on March 21, 2025; Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre on March 4, 2025; NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh on Jan. 22, 2025; Bloc Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet on March 5, 2025 and Green Party co-leader Jonathan Pedneault on March 5, 2025, in Ottawa.
Montreal Canadiens hockey fans gather to watch the second away game of the Stanley Cup Finals, against Tampa Bay Lightning, at Macleans Pub in Montreal, Quebec, Canada June 30, 2021. REUTERS/Christinne Muschi/File Photo
Bloc Quebecois leader Yves-Francois Blanchet speaks during a federal election campaign stop in Montreal, Tuesday, April 15, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
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Overview

  • The French-language debate, originally scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, was moved to 6 p.m. ET to avoid conflicting with a Montreal Canadiens game that could determine their playoff spot.
  • Leaders of Canada’s five major parties, including Prime Minister Mark Carney and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, will participate in two debates this week, one in French and one in English.
  • Debate preparation has been intensive, with leaders engaging in mock debates and honing messaging, while Carney faces heightened scrutiny over his French proficiency.
  • Polling shows the gap between the Liberals and Conservatives narrowing, increasing the stakes for debate performances as early voting approaches.
  • Key topics for the debates include the cost of living, energy and climate, immigration, trade, and national security, with leaders aiming to connect with voters in unscripted formats.