Overview

• The French-language federal leaders' debate was moved two hours earlier, now running from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET on April 16, to avoid clashing with a critical Montreal Canadiens hockey game.
• Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh advocated for the change, citing the importance of maximizing viewership for Quebec voters.
• The Canadiens’ game against the Carolina Hurricanes, starting at 7 p.m. ET, could determine their playoff fate, further raising public interest in the match.
• The debates, considered a key moment in the election campaign, will address major issues such as cost of living, climate policy, trade, and national security.
• Candidates are intensively preparing through mock debates and language practice, with experts emphasizing the impact of body language and bilingual proficiency on voter perception.