Overview

• The French-language debate has been moved to 6 p.m. Eastern on April 16 to avoid overlapping with a critical Montreal Canadiens game, ensuring broader viewership in Quebec.
• The English-language debate remains scheduled for April 17 at 7 p.m. Eastern, with both debates being broadcast live from the Maison de Radio-Canada atrium in Montreal.
• Key issues to be addressed include cost of living, energy and climate, immigration, national security, trade, and sovereignty, varying slightly between the French and English debates.
• Candidates, including Mark Carney, Pierre Poilievre, Jagmeet Singh, Yves-François Blanchet, and Jonathan Pedneault, are in final stages of preparation, focusing on messaging, body language, and language proficiency.
• Experts emphasize that debate performance, particularly leaders’ ability to connect with voters, will play a critical role in shaping public opinion in the closely contested election.