During a recent debate, Canadian leaders discussed key issues facing the country, including the housing crisis and the balance between climate change and economic growth. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre emphasized the need to reduce taxes and cut red tape to encourage home building. He criticized the existing bureaucracy, stating, "We don’t need more bureaucracy, we need more front doors."
Despite their differences, Poilievre and fellow leader Mark Carney found common ground on energy policy. Both agreed that Canada should increase its oil and gas production. Carney highlighted his party’s commitment to climate issues, promising to focus on producing "low-risk" and "low-carbon" oil.
The debate also touched on immigration, where there was broad agreement among the leaders. They acknowledged the importance of integrating newcomers and asylum seekers into Canadian society. This topic has gained urgency as Canada experiences rapid population growth, which has put pressure on housing and social infrastructure. Recent reports from Canadian border officials noted a rise in asylum seekers attempting to cross from the U.S. into Quebec, partly due to the previous administration’s strict immigration policies.
Notably absent from the debate was the Green Party. The party was disqualified by the debate commission for not meeting criteria that required endorsement of candidates in at least 90% of federal ridings and for failing to achieve a minimum of 4% national support. Green Party co-leader Jonathan Pedneault criticized the commission’s decision, calling it "baseless" and "undemocratic."
This debate also saw a logistical change, as the start time was moved two hours earlier to avoid clashing with an NHL playoff game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Carolina Hurricanes.
As Canada prepares for its upcoming election, these discussions highlight the urgent issues that leaders must address, from housing to climate change and immigration. The outcomes of these debates will play a significant role in shaping the future of the country.