Key takeaways for Quebec from the French-language debate
Leaders talk language rights, immigration, pipelines and Quebec identity
Missed last night's debate? While the Habs were in the midst of securing a playoff spot, the four federal leaders drew clear lines on issues related to Quebec.
The French-language debate was a first chance to see Liberal Leader Mark Carney face off against Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet.
While CBC News has a full breakdown, and a look at some of the notable moments at the national level, here are four takeaways particularly relevant to Quebec voters.
1. Language rights
The question of Quebec's right to legislate French-language protections — and its impact on English and Indigenous communities — came up during the debate.
Asked whether Quebec has the right to use the notwithstanding clause to block its language law, Bill 96, from legal challenges, Poilievre said Quebec "must defend French" and he will too.
"I will continue to support laws and policies that allow Quebec and the federal government to protect the French language all across Canada," he said.
Carney, for his part, said he's concerned about the pre-emptive use of the notwithstanding clause, pointing out that it has also been used in other provinces.
"The question is, do we have rights and freedoms here in Canada? Are we equal?" Carney asked, then added, "We need to consider the right balance."
He said the "use of the notwithstanding clause in a pre-emptive way is a question for the Supreme Court."
Blanchet said such a challenge amounts to using Quebec taxpayer money to challenge Quebec's own legislation at Canada's top court. Carney pointed out that Quebec is facing legal challenges from within the province, which is true.
2. Immigration
The four leaders also weighed in on how to best handle immigration, and drew clear lines in particular on asylum seekers.
Quebec Premier François Legault has called for cuts to immigration levels and greater powers, even after stricter limits were imposed last fall.
During the debate, Poilievre accused the Liberals of allowing the system to "spiral out of control," with the number of international students and temporary foreign workers on the rise in recent years.
Carney tried to distance himself from the past government's handling of the file, saying the "system isn't working."
On the question of asylum seekers, Poilievre said he would block Haitians coming from the U.S. seeking asylum in Canada. Carney, too, said there are limits to what the country can handle, and that most asylum seekers are likely to be turned back to the U.S. given the Safe Third Country Agreement in place.
"We have to be human, but we have to be realistic. Canada can't accept everyone," he said.
Singh, for his part, argued that Canada should suspend the Safe Third Country agreement with the U.S. due to the Trump administration's apparent violations of human rights.
"We're talking about a dangerous situation," the NDP leader said. "It's a question of humanity, of compassion."
3. Pipelines
Donald Trump's threats toward Canada have renewed the idea of more pipelines carrying oil and gas from western Canada through Quebec.
Poilievre, who has championed the idea of fast-tracking such energy projects, was asked if he would push a pipeline through Quebec even if there wasn't broad support.
Poilievre replied: "There's no social acceptability for the status quo."
Blanchet, who is staunchly opposed to any new pipeline, responded by saying: "What a hollow phrase. That means nothing. When it rains, it's sunny out."
Carney said pipelines need approval from Quebec and other provinces, and the support of Indigenous people.
"This is Canada," he responded. "That's how Canada works."
4. Canadian unity and Quebec identity
The leaders were asked whether Canada is divided as it faces threats from south of the border. Poilievre said yes, and blamed 10 years of Liberal government for sowing division within the country.
"Unfortunately, there are divisions across Canada," he said. The country, he added, "must unite around our common identity," which he said includes the French and English languages, as well as "our military history and Canada's promise."
Blanchet said "Quebec does not need to be a Canadian province to have its own voice."
He said the threat of Trump needs to be taken seriously, but said that threat should not be used to make Quebecers to give up their attachment to the French language and culture.
He accused the Liberal government of not doing enough to protect the Quebec economy, and the aluminum industry in particular, from U.S. tariffs — a charge Carney denied.
Carney said the possibilities for Canada are "enormous because we are all in the same boat."
Singh, emphasizing the need to protect universal health care, said Canadians have a common identity — "we take care of one another."