This week, the main federal political party leaders will join one another on stage ahead of the Canadian election. The party leaders will take part in the debate in both French and English throughout the week.
On Wednesday, April 16th, the French debate will take place. The following day on April 17th, the English debate will be held. Both debates will be hosted and organized at the Maison de Radio-Canada in Montreal. Each leader qualified to take part in the debate must have met two of three criteria set by the federal debates commission.
The criteria include the notion that participants are chosen as long as the party is represented in the House of Commons by an elected MP. The party must receive a four percent level in public opinion polls 28 days prior to the date of the election (April 28th, 2025). The final piece of criteria sees the party has endorsed candidates in at least 90 percent of federal ridings 28 days before the election day.
Liberal Leader Mark Carney, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, Bloc Quebecois leader Yves-François Blanchet, and Green Party co-leader Elizabeth May are all due to step on stage and discuss their policies based around a number of important topics. Topics at hand include the cost of living, energy and climate, the ongoing tariff disputes, public safety, and the ability to lead in a crisis.
Patrice Roy from Radio-Canada will moderate the French debate. TVO’s Steve Paikin will step in to moderate the English debate. Live commentary and analysis will be provided by Rachel Aiello, Scott Reid, Tom Mulcair, and Melanie Paradis.
The French debate begins at 8 PM EDT/ 5 PM PT on April 16th.
UPDATE: The French-language debate, originally scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on April 16, was moved to 6 p.m. ET to avoid conflicting with a critical Montreal Canadiens hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes, which could determine their playoff fate. This change followed requests from NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet.
The English debate starts at 7 PM EDT/4 PM PT on April 17th. A number of Canadian broadcasters will be airing the debates. For instance, you can watch the debates on Global News’ YouTube channel. CTV will also be airing the debates on the website, CTV News app, as well as the CTV YouTube channel. Additionally, you can watch via CBC’s YouTube channel, CBC Gem and its website.
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Perhaps you should update your story.
Thank you sir, updated. If the Blue Jackets lose tomorrow, the Canadiens will secure their spot.
What a country. lol
Is there an English language translation of the French language debate?