Montreal’s French-language debate highlights immigration limits and U.S. policy concerns.
Carney and Poilievre underline need to align immigration with housing, jobs, and services.
Election Debate Highlights Immigration Curbs
Immigration restrictions took center stage during a key French-language federal election debate held in Montreal. Liberal Party leader Mark Carney and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre both stressed the importance of placing limits on immigration levels in the current climate.
Carney noted that the immigration system was under strain following the pandemic, pointing out a population rise of around three percent. He expressed the need to place a cap on immigration for a limited period, indicating the cap would stay in place for a couple of years to allow the system to stabilize.
Poilievre echoed similar concerns, stating that immigration levels should be adjusted to ensure the population does not outpace the availability of housing, jobs, and healthcare services. He emphasized the need for sustainable growth that matches the country’s capacity.
Trump’s Role in Shaping Canada’s Foreign and Trade Policies
The debate also focused heavily on U.S. President Donald Trump’s influence. Carney addressed Trump’s impact on Canada’s global relationships, arguing that Canada must approach dealings with Trump from a position of strength. He stated that leadership experience and knowledge of the global private sector would be critical in managing diplomatic ties.
Poilievre, meanwhile, focused on diversifying Canada’s economic relationships by expanding energy exports beyond the U.S. He cited liquefied natural gas exports to India as a major opportunity, claiming such efforts could help reduce emissions in India by approximately 2.5 billion tonnes, nearly triple Canada’s total emissions output.
Economic Approaches Draw Sharp Contrasts
Tensions also surfaced between the two leaders over economic strategies. Poilievre accused Carney of mirroring current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s policies. Carney responded by underlining his crisis management skills, stating that Canada is facing one of its most serious challenges and requires assertive leadership to navigate it.
Global Affairs and Conflict Discussion
Other leaders also contributed to the debate. Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet and New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh addressed international concerns, including the situations in Gaza and Ukraine. Singh pressed Carney to identify the Gaza conflict as genocide. Carney described the events as “horrific” but refrained from politicizing the matter.
Upcoming Final Debate in English
The final English-language federal debate is scheduled for Thursday evening in Montreal. The national election will be held on April 28, drawing significant attention to issues around immigration and international diplomacy.
Quick Recap:
- Immigration restrictions were a major focus in the French-language debate in Montreal.
- Carney proposed a temporary cap due to post-pandemic population growth.
- Poilievre pushed for reduced immigration levels tied to housing and service availability.
- Trump’s policies were discussed as key to Canada’s trade and diplomatic strategies.
- The final English-language debate will take place on April 24 ahead of the April 28 election.
For the latest updates on Canadian immigration and federal election developments, stay with The Canada Time.
