Mark Carney, the front-runner in the race to become Canada’s next prime minister, squared off for the first time with his main rival Chrystia Freeland in a French-language TV debate that focused on how to handle President Donald Trump.
Mark Carney and Chrystia Freeland, the two leading contenders in the Canadian Liberal Party leadership race, engaged in a French-language debate focused on handling U.S. President Donald Trump. Freeland, a former finance minister, highlighted her experience negotiating the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, positioning herself as the strongest candidate to deal with Trump. Carney, a former Bank of Canada governor, emphasized his crisis management skills and argued that Trump has become more isolationist and aggressive. The debate, which was the first formal televised showdown between the two, also touched on Trump’s threats of tariffs and the need for a strong response, including potential retaliatory measures. While Carney stumbled slightly with his French, he managed to convey his points coherently. The debate underscored the importance of Quebec, where French proficiency is crucial, in the upcoming election. Polls suggest Carney is leading the race, but Freeland remains a strong contender. An English-language debate is scheduled for the following evening, with the Liberal leadership election set for March 9.
