2025 Canadian Federal Election English Debate: Key Policies and Leadership Analysis - Just Opinion (En)

Ahead of the upcoming 2025 Canadian federal election, the English-language debate hosted by CBC News on April 17, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Montreal served as a crucial opportunity for voters to evaluate the leaders, their policies, and their visions.

This post summarizes the key positions, promises, and potential implications from each party leader, organized under five core themes. The content has been condensed for easy reference.

1. Tariffs and Threats to Canada
2. Affordability
3. Public Safety and Security
4. Energy and Climate Change
5. Leadership in Times of Crisis

1. Tariffs and Threats to Canada

Mark Carney (Liberal)

• Diagnosed a fundamental shift in the Canada–U.S. relationship.
• Emphasized strengthening economic sovereignty and protecting domestic industries.
• Advocated for trade diversification with like-minded nations.
• Proposed tariff incentives for key industries such as auto manufacturing.

Pierre Poilievre (Conservative)

• Asserted that economic aggression from the U.S. should be met with reciprocal tariffs.
• Criticized Liberal policies for weakening Canada's economy through overregulation and anti-energy stances.
• Promised economic recovery via tax cuts, deregulation, and project approvals.

Jagmeet Singh (NDP)

• Described Trump-era tariffs as a betrayal.
• Stressed independent, interest-first decision-making for Canada.
• Promised to reduce U.S. influence over Arctic sovereignty and defense policy.

Yves-François Blanchet (Bloc Québécois)

• Warned against underestimating Trump’s threats.
• Called for greater representation of Quebec’s economic uniqueness in federal policies.
• Demanded strict, dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs.

U.S.-Canada trade relations are vital to the national economy. Carney proposes a balanced approach, Poilievre pushes structural reform, Singh emphasizes sovereignty, and Blanchet centers Quebec's interests.

2. Affordability

Mark Carney

• Announced the largest housing construction initiative since WWII.
• Advocated for modular housing and Canadian lumber.
• Promised to double the pace of housing construction.
• Proposed $25B in financial aid for developers and $10B for affordable housing.
• Pledged to cut development fees by 50% and focus on supply over tax cuts.
• Criticized Poilievre’s plan for neglecting rental and affordable housing markets.

Pierre Poilievre

• Blamed the Liberals for housing prices doubling—calling it “the lost Liberal decade.”
• Proposed eliminating GST on new housing projects.
• Encouraged provinces to reduce construction-related taxes.
• Promised to sell federal land for housing use.
• Proposed training 350,000 skilled tradespeople.
• Offered 15% income tax cut to increase disposable income.

Jagmeet Singh

• Highlighted food price hikes as a major concern.
• Proposed essential food price caps, referencing France and Greece.
• Planned to block corporate landlords from purchasing affordable housing.
• Suggested GST exemptions on internet, phone, and heating.
• Criticized both Liberals and Conservatives for favoring the wealthy.

Yves-François Blanchet

• Called for eliminating unfair federal aid gaps for seniors aged 65–75.
• Proposed funding this through anti-tax avoidance efforts.
• Stressed stabilizing home prices to ease financial burdens for families and retirees.

Carney focuses on structural solutions and industry growth. Poilievre aims to reduce middle-class burdens through tax relief. Singh prioritizes affordability through caps and welfare expansion. Blanchet targets seniors and Quebec residents with a tax equity approach.

3. Public Safety and Security

Mark Carney (Liberal)

• Admitted shortcomings in personal firearm regulation despite commercial restrictions being effective.
• Promised to relaunch and improve personal firearm regulations.
• Vowed to strengthen border security to prevent gun smuggling.
• Called for stricter regulation of modern weapons such as assault firearms.
• Criticized Poilievre for repeatedly opposing gun control legislation.

Pierre Poilievre (Conservative)

• Highlighted high crime rates in Indigenous communities.
• Blamed Liberal leniency for increased recidivism and social unrest.
• Proposed a “Three Strikes” law with mandatory 10 years to life sentences for major crimes.
• Promised life sentences for fentanyl trafficking, human trafficking, and gun smuggling.
• Vowed to invoke the notwithstanding clause to guarantee maximum penalties.
• Stressed the need for tighter border control to stop illegal firearms and drugs.

Jagmeet Singh (NDP)

• Criticized excessive force by RCMP; called for community-based policing models.
• Proposed strengthening Indigenous-led policing efforts.
• Promised a society where everyone feels safe.
• Advocated for more investment in border protection to prevent crime.
• Blamed past Conservative government for cutting border security personnel.
• Stressed investment in mental health and rehabilitation for fentanyl crisis.

Yves-François Blanchet (Bloc Québécois)

• Framed poor immigration and border control as a greater threat than fentanyl.
• Criticized slow refugee vetting and public service strain.
• Called for a more orderly and successful immigration system.
• Urged harsher punishments for crime syndicates, akin to terrorist organizations.
• Called for policies to prevent youth recruitment into gangs.

Public safety directly impacts citizens’ daily lives. Carney focuses on regulation and borders, Poilievre on punitive measures, Singh on reform and prevention, and Blanchet on immigration and regional security concerns.

4. Energy and Climate Change

Mark Carney (Liberal)

• Called for swift and robust action on climate change.
• Proposed an integrated strategy linking energy security, job creation, and competitiveness.
• Promised fast-tracked projects with Indigenous community consent.
• Committed to doubling the Indigenous loan guarantee program.
• Pledged to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies.
• Promoted carbon capture, storage tech, and grid infrastructure for a low-carbon economy.
• Criticized Poilievre for lacking a climate change plan.

Pierre Poilievre (Conservative)

• Promised to expand domestic energy production and create jobs.
• Claimed shifting energy production away from polluting nations would lower global emissions.
• Supported LNG exports to reduce Europe’s dependence on Russian energy.
• Criticized carbon taxes and Bill C-69 for stifling development.
• Offered tax incentives for low-emission industries.

Jagmeet Singh (NDP)

• Opposed new publicly funded pipeline construction.
• Proposed a cross-Canada energy grid to deliver cheap electricity.
• Called for investments in renewable energy and sustainability.
• Promised to redirect fossil fuel subsidies to green industries.
• Criticized both Liberals and Conservatives for inaction on climate.

Yves-François Blanchet (Bloc Québécois)

• Highlighted Quebec’s rich clean energy resources.
• Demanded federal policy respect Quebec’s energy uniqueness.
• Opposed Quebec’s financial burden in federal oil and gas funding.
• Argued for Quebec-centric north-south energy trade over east-west expansion.
• Dismissed carbon capture technology as unrealistic.

Carney champions sustainability and Indigenous partnership. Poilievre prioritizes energy independence and economic realism. Singh pushes hard for decarbonization. Blanchet promotes Quebec’s autonomy and green leadership.

5. Leadership in Times of Crisis

Mark Carney (Liberal)

• Stressed bold, timely responses with worst-case scenario preparation.
• Promised to reduce government spending growth from 9% to 2% and stimulate private investment through selective capital outlays.
• Targeted a balanced budget within three years.
• Committed to unwavering support for Ukraine, even if U.S. backing decreases.

Pierre Poilievre (Conservative)

• Affirmed continued support for Ukraine.
• Proposed strengthening national defense with Arctic bases, icebreakers, fighter jets, and reserve forces.
• Criticized Liberals for weakening military readiness.

Yves-François Blanchet (Bloc Québécois)

• Confirmed a Quebec independence referendum would come after negotiations.
• Backed support for Ukraine, but emphasized balance in Gaza aid and anti-Hamas efforts.
• Stated his aim is not to become Prime Minister, but a responsible voice for Quebec.

Jagmeet Singh (NDP)

• Framed healthcare as the most pressing national crisis.
• Opposed for-profit private healthcare expansion.
• Promised federal healthcare deals with provinces only through negotiations.
• Criticized Carney’s spending cuts as harmful to essential services.

Crisis leadership reveals core values. Carney focuses on fiscal balance and global cooperation. Poilievre highlights sovereignty and security. Blanchet promotes Quebec's unique path. Singh centers healthcare and social resilience.

Conclusion

The 2025 Canadian election marks a pivotal moment for the country. Each party leader laid out their policy priorities and crisis management visions during the debate.

From economics, energy, and public safety to climate and social welfare, the topics debated offer valuable insights for voter decision-making.

Regardless of who you support, it is essential to consider how each candidate’s policy will shape the country’s reality and future.

Your vote will shape the future of Canada.