6 big moments and takeaways from the final leaders’ debate

cancelling post-debate news conferences? Why is the Leaders’ Debates Commission cancelling post-debate news conferences?

The final English-language debate between the four party leaders on Thursday night was filled with heated exchanges and pointed criticisms as Canadians prepare to head to the polls in just over a week. Liberal Leader Mark Carney, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh took the stage to discuss a range of topics including energy projects, the environment, public and national security, and the cost of living.

One of the key moments of the debate was the relentless targeting of Carney by the other party leaders. Poilievre, Singh, and Blanchet all took swipes at Carney within the first 10 minutes of the debate. Poilievre accused the Liberals of weakening the economy, Singh criticized Carney for not doing enough on EI before calling an election, and Blanchet accused him of not supporting Quebec industries impacted by U.S. tariffs.

The debate was marked by interruptions and cross talk, with Singh being particularly prone to interjecting during his opponents’ responses. At one point, Carney had to tell Singh to let Poilievre finish his point. The leaders also engaged in a heated exchange over housing, with Singh accusing Poilievre of only building six homes during his time as housing minister, and Poilievre firing back with claims of 200,000 homes being built.

Poilievre continued his strategy of tying Carney to former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, referring to Carney as Trudeau’s economic adviser. Carney, however, tried to distance himself from Trudeau, stating that he is a different person with different policies. The debate also touched on issues of public safety and security, with Poilievre blaming the Liberals for a “rampant crime wave” and Carney highlighting China as the biggest security threat.

One notable moment from the night was the cancellation of post-debate news conferences by the commission responsible for organizing the debates. This decision came after controversy surrounding the dominance of right-wing media outlets during the post-debate sessions following the French debate. The commission faced criticism for accrediting these outlets, leading to the cancellation of the news conferences.

With advance polls opening this weekend and voting day fast approaching, Canadians will soon have the opportunity to have their voices heard in the upcoming election. The final debate provided a platform for the party leaders to make their case to voters and outline their visions for the future of the country.