Overview

• Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre faced off in their first debate during the campaign, focusing on U.S. President Trump's tariffs and annexation threats.
• Carney highlighted his experience as a former central banker, positioning himself as the best candidate to negotiate with Trump and defend Canadian sovereignty.
• Poilievre criticized the Liberals for blocking natural resource development and argued for change after nearly a decade of Liberal rule.
• The Liberals have rebounded to a six-point lead in polls, with Carney’s strategy of 'tough talk and bland competence' resonating with voters concerned about national sovereignty.
• The debate, held in Quebec, a key battleground province, precedes an English-language debate scheduled for Thursday as the April 28 election approaches.