Overview

• Prime Minister Mark Carney and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre faced off in their first direct exchange during the French-language leaders' debate in Montreal.
• Carney emphasized his crisis-management experience and strategy to counter U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and annexation threats, calling for strength and new trade partnerships.
• Poilievre criticized Liberal economic policies, promising tax cuts, resource development, and cost-of-living relief while framing himself as a change from a decade of Liberal rule.
• Polls show the Liberals leading by six to eight points, with projections suggesting a potential majority government for Carney's party.
• Quebec, with its 78 seats, remains a key battleground, as Bloc Québécois support appears to be shifting toward the Liberals in response to Carney's stance on U.S. challenges.