Particle.news
Download on the App Store
11 ARTICLES
·
3mo ago

Mark Carney Maintains Lead in Liberal Leadership Race After French Debate

Candidates focus on U.S. President Trump's tariff threats and Canadian sovereignty as Carney's performance faces scrutiny.

Mark Carney, candidate for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada, makes an announcement at a campaign event in Halifax on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese
Canada's Liberal Party leadership candidates, former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney, former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, former House leader Karina Gould and former Liberal MP Frank Baylis stand next to each other before participating in a French language debate ahead of the March 9 vote to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, February 24, 2025. REUTERS/Evan Buhler
The lectern is installed before keynote addresses at the 2023 Liberal National Convention in Ottawa, on Thursday, May 4, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
COMBO PIC: Mark Carney speaks during his Liberal leadership campaign launch in Edmonton on Thursday, January 16, 2025.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson Former deputy prime minister and finance minister Chrystia Freeland speaks with reporters in Ottawa on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Overview

  • Mark Carney remains the front-runner in the Liberal leadership race, despite criticism of his French-language skills and a notable debate gaffe.
  • The debate centered on U.S. President Donald Trump's aggressive trade policies and perceived threats to Canadian sovereignty, a key issue in the leadership contest.
  • Chrystia Freeland emphasized her experience negotiating with Trump during NAFTA talks but struggled to gain ground against Carney's economic credentials.
  • Karina Gould positioned herself as a progressive candidate for the party's future, while Frank Baylis advocated for a tougher stance on Trump's tariffs.
  • The next debate, in English, is scheduled for Tuesday, with the new Liberal leader and prime minister to be chosen on March 9.