OTTAWA — Liberal leadership candidates Mark Carney, Chrystia Freeland, Karina Gould and Frank Baylis are squaring off in an English-language debate in Montreal.
The event is set to run from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. and is being moderated by former CBC journalist Hannah Thibedeau of Global Public Affairs.
Here's the latest (all times Eastern):
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8 p.m.
The English-language debate begins.
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7 p.m.
With an hour to go before the debate, polling analyst Philippe J. Fournier of 338Canada says last night was a "practice run" and that tonight is the main event.
Fournier says all the polls now suggest Carney is the front-runner and that he will be watching to see if the other candidates attack him in this debate, after the collegial tone of Monday's event.
Recent polls suggest that the Liberals gain traction with Carney as leader, Fournier says, adding that the numbers could still revert back. He says a "prudent approach" would be the best route for Carney in the debate and that he doesn't expect to see him go on the offensive.
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6:33 p.m.
Carney posts a video to X showing him arriving at the debate's venue, welcomed by a group of fans holding signs with his logo. In the video, he tells reporters that he's feeling "really good" and looking forward to "another great discussion."
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4 p.m.
Thibedeau, the moderator for Tuesday night's event, says in an interview that the debates are being held in a Montreal studio where movies like "The Terminal" with Tom Hanks were filmed.
Standing in the debate room, where four podiums and a large, red Liberal backdrop have been set up, Thibedeau says that while the debate themes were chosen by registered Liberals across the country, no one but her knows exactly what the questions will be.
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3:15 p.m.
Ahead of the second of two leadership debates, disqualified candidate Ruby Dhalla issues a news release indicating that she will be taking part in a live debate breakdown with TikToker Mario Zelaya, beginning at 8 p.m.
Dhalla, who was kicked out of the race by the Liberal party on Friday, says she has been preparing for the debate since entering the leadership race and she "won’t be silenced." Dhalla says she plans to discuss topics like the economy, affordability and climate action.
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3 p.m.
Liberal leadership candidates Mark Carney, Chrystia Freeland, Karina Gould and Frank Baylis are expected to arrive in Montreal later today for the English-language debate, set to begin at 8 p.m.
The Liberal Party of Canada has shared the list of topics up for discussion. They're the same topics discussed during Monday night's French-language debate: Canada-U.S. relations, expanding Canada's economy, affordability, housing and health care, and climate action.
The candidates shared posts and videos on social media ahead of the debate. Carney's post says that "Canadians want change" and he's ready to deliver it. In a post on X, Gould says she's running because Canada "needs a leader with political experience, a bold vision and the ability to bring people together."
Baylis's message highlights his business experience and says Canada needs a leader who understands how to boost the economy, create jobs and protect the country's sovereignty from people like Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and U.S. President Donald Trump.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 25, 2025.
Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press
