24 March: As campaigning for the April 28 federal election enters its second full day, party leaders are aggressively pitching their platforms while navigating criticism and controversies across the country.
Carney Criticized for Backing Out of French Debate
Liberal Leader Mark Carney came under fire from both Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet after backing out of a proposed TVA French-language debate. The event has now been cancelled due to lack of participation from the Liberals, despite the other main parties agreeing to contribute the $75,000 production fee.
Blanchet slammed Carney’s absence as “cowardly,” claiming it signalled he was uninterested in Quebecers. Poilievre took to X (formerly Twitter) to mock Carney, saying he’s “too scared to debate me in French” and questioned how Carney could face Trump if he couldn’t face other Canadian leaders.
Carney’s campaign defended the move, saying the Liberal leader is committed to the two official debates scheduled for April 16 (French) and April 17 (English) in Montreal.
Carney Suggests Trump Is Waiting for Canada’s Verdict
While speaking in Gander, N.L., Carney addressed questions about why he hasn’t spoken with U.S. President Donald Trump despite rising trade tensions. He said Trump is “likely waiting for the outcome of the election,” adding that future talks must be “on Canada’s terms.” Carney reiterated that all other G7 leaders had congratulated him after his swearing-in, but Trump remains silent.
Carney also repeated his claim that Trump aims to divide Canada, while accusing Poilievre of playing into that strategy. “Trump’s plan is to divide and conquer. Poilievre’s plan is to divide and be conquered,” Carney said.
Poilievre Hits Back with Tax Cut Plan and Tough Talk on Trump
Campaigning in Brampton, Ont., Poilievre fired back, saying Trump “needs to knock it off” with threats against Canada and blamed the Liberals for making the country vulnerable. He unveiled a major income tax cut plan — lowering the lowest federal bracket from 15% to 12.75% — which would save an average dual-income family $1,800 annually. The policy would be fully rolled out by 2027-28 and cost $14 billion a year, funded by cutting bureaucracy and foreign aid.
Poilievre also proposed a “dollar-for-dollar law,” which would force ministers to find $1 in government savings for every $1 in new spending.
Singh Makes Stop in Montreal, Then Hits the Road
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh began the day in Montreal, promising better housing policies and asserting his party’s relevance in Quebec. He insisted the NDP’s role in securing dental care and pharmacare shows their impact, even with a limited seat count. Singh later embarked on a bus trip to Toronto for an evening event, using his time on the road to engage with supporters digitally.
He also took a break for a brief outdoor workout under a bridge in Montreal, a move likely aimed at projecting energy and relatability early in the campaign.
CSIS Flags Election Interference Risks from China, India, Russia, and Pakistan
A senior official from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), Vanessa Lloyd, warned that countries including China, India, Russia, and Pakistan may attempt to meddle in Canada’s election. The threat was discussed at a briefing with the Critical Election Incident Public Protocol (CEIPP), which will monitor digital threats and foreign interference. The panel stands ready to inform the public if necessary, though no announcements were made in the 2019 or 2021 elections.
Elections Canada Prepares for $570M Vote
Canada’s Chief Electoral Officer Stephane Perrault said the 2025 election will cost around $570 million — slightly less than the 2021 vote. Elections Canada plans to hire 250,000 workers and will reopen 119 on-campus voting locations while tripling polling stations in Indigenous communities.
