Federal Leaders Clash Over Immigration and Energy in Heated Radio-Canada Debate
Last night's French-language federal leaders' debate, broadcast live on Radio-Canada, was nothing short of intense. It marked the first head-to-head clash of the 2025 election campaign, and the topic that stole the spotlight? Immigration. And let me tell you, for once, all the major leaders—Mark Carney (Liberal), Pierre Poilievre (Conservative), Jagmeet Singh (NDP), and Yves-François Blanchet (Bloc Québécois)—actually agreed on something: the current immigration system is not working.
Now that’s rare.
The question that kicked it all off was about the potential influx of Haitian migrants fleeing the United States due to Donald Trump’s renewed deportation policies. The debate quickly heated up as leaders were asked whether Canada should welcome these asylum seekers. While everyone agreed the Safe Third Country Agreement should be respected—meaning migrants arriving from the U.S. could be sent back—Jagmeet Singh stood out slightly. He reminded the audience that this issue isn’t just political, it’s human. "We must do our fair share. It’s about compassion," he said.
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On the other end, Poilievre didn’t hold back. He accused the Liberal government of “abusing the generosity of Quebecers” and claimed their open-border stance had broken the system altogether. A bold claim, but not surprising from the Conservative leader, who’s running a hardline campaign on immigration and national security.
And that was just one part of it. The debate then veered into energy policy, with Carney and Poilievre finding rare common ground. Both leaders pushed for increased oil production and more pipelines, citing threats from the U.S. and national energy independence. Singh and Blanchet, however, firmly rejected that idea. Singh focused on clean energy investments and hydroelectricity, while Blanchet was clear: Quebecers don’t want nuclear energy or more pipelines. “There’s no social acceptability,” he stated.
Then came a moment of levity—sort of. Moderator Patrice Roy asked the leaders what American products they’ve personally stopped buying as a sign of economic resistance. Carney ditched U.S. alcohol, and Poilievre swapped American beef for Canadian steak. A humorous segment on the surface, but it circled back to a very real issue: the rising cost of living.
From foreign policy and trade wars to health care and climate action, the leaders covered it all. But the consensus around immigration was the real headline. While their reasons and tones varied, the shared conclusion was undeniable: something has to change. The system, as it stands, is not working.
As the campaign heats up, it’s clear that immigration, energy, and affordability will remain central talking points. And if this debate was any indication, we’re in for a spirited and revealing road to Election Day.
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