The four Conservative leadership contenders are taking part in the only official English-language debate of this campaign tonight.
CBCNews.ca is carrying Power & Politics‘s special coverage of the debate live. The debate will be followed by scrums with reporters.
Many expect to see the two frontrunners — former cabinet ministers Peter MacKay and Erin O’Toole — spend most of the debate attacking each other, while the two lesser-known candidates — Toronto lawyer Leslyn Lewis and rookie MP Derek Sloan — work to introduce themselves to the people who will be picking Andrew Scheer’s successor.
The debate is being moderated by Lisa Raitt, a former MP and deputy party leader. Raitt is the co-chair of the Conservative Party’s leadership election organizing committee (LEOC) alongside last night’s moderator, Dan Nowlan.
Here’s how you can watch and follow the debate on CBC:
Power & Politics with Vassy Kapelos will have special coverage of the English debate 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET on CBC News Network and livestreamed at CBCnews.ca.
We’ll have an updated story on the debate with video clips at cbc.ca/politics.
The topics up for debate include COVID-19 measures, seniors, “how to win a majority government and broaden the voter coalition,” issues affecting Indigenous people and social conservatism.
The party also has added “racism in Canada” to the list of topics that will be discussed by the contenders tonight.
The candidates met last night for a televised debate in French.
MacKay and O’Toole spent much of the debate attacking one another. MacKay tried to brand O’Toole as out of step with the mainstream on social issues like abortion. He also suggested O’Toole would replicate some of the Liberal government’s environmental policies, saying Canada doesn’t need an “Erin Trudeau”.
O’Toole has courted social conservative voters and also has said he’s uncomfortable with the Liberal government’s legislation to ban conversion therapy.
WATCH | The opening statements from the French-language debate (with English translation)
Erin O’Toole, Peter MacKay, Leslyn Lewis and Derek Sloan deliver their opening statements in the first of two CPC moderated debates in Toronto. 4:16
O’Toole, in turn, tried last night to present MacKay as yesterday’s man and called MacKay a “career politician” who doesn’t have what it takes to defeat Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the next election.
MacKay led the Progressive Conservative Party in the early 2000s until it merged with the Canadian Alliance to form the current Conservative Party.
MacKay said O’Toole revealed himself as an “angry man” by launching attack ads during the campaign.
O’Toole defended his environmental policies, saying the party needs to present a credible climate plan to Canadians in the next election. He said MacKay, as defence minister, failed to deliver on key equipment procurement files such as the F-35.
Lewis said afterward that debating in French was a “scary” experience as she has little knowledge of the language. She said tonight’s debate will offer a more level playing field because all of the candidates are anglophones. Lewis, a Pentecostal, has promised changes on social issues like conversion therapy and abortion.
She also has touted an economic plan that she says will boost the natural resources sector.
Like Lewis, Sloan is courting the social conservative wing of the party. He has a 12-point “pro-life” plan and has taken a harder line than his opponents on immigration. Sloan is proposing to work with the provinces to craft laws that would force women to receive an ultrasound before they go through with an abortion.
The election, which will be conducted entirely by mail, is scheduled to end on August 21.
New Brunswick voters have elected a Liberal majority government, tossing out the incumbent Progressive Conservatives after six years in power and handing the reins to the first woman ever to lead the province. Liberal Leader Susan Holt spent much of the campaign rolling out proposed fixes for a health-care system racked by a doctor shortage, overcrowded emergency rooms and long wait-times. She promised to open 30 community health clinics across the province by 2028. (Oct. 22, 2024)
Susan Holt has made history in New Brunswick by becoming the first woman to serve as the leader of the province’s Liberal Party, a significant milestone in the province’s political landscape. Holt’s leadership victory signals a new era of representation, gender equality, and change in the region, which has long been dominated by male politicians.
Holt’s journey to the top has been one of perseverance and dedication. Before entering politics, she built a distinguished career in the private sector, where she held numerous leadership positions. Her experience in business development and public policy has equipped her with the skills needed to navigate the complex world of politics.
In a province where women have historically been underrepresented in politics, Holt’s election represents a watershed moment. Women’s involvement in leadership roles has been steadily increasing nationwide, but New Brunswick, like many parts of Canada, has seen slower progress in achieving gender parity. Holt’s rise to the top of the Liberal Party not only shatters a glass ceiling but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of women aiming for political leadership.
As the leader of the New Brunswick Liberal Party, Holt has laid out a vision of inclusivity and progress. Her policies focus on economic development, healthcare reform, environmental sustainability, and addressing social issues that have plagued the province. She has also emphasized the importance of transparent governance and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities, making her platform both modern and forward-thinking.
Holt’s leadership arrives at a time when many voters are calling for change, especially in the face of challenges like economic uncertainty and the need for healthcare improvements. She aims to bring fresh ideas to tackle these issues while ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their background, have a voice in government decisions.
Susan Holt joins the ranks of other trailblazing women across Canada who have led provincial parties and governments. Women like former Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Ontario’s Kathleen Wynne have paved the way, and now Holt is contributing to this growing legacy of female political leadership in Canada.
Her achievement highlights not only the growing number of women entering politics but also the demand for leaders who can bring diverse perspectives to the table. In a field often dominated by entrenched traditions, Holt’s election is a step toward a more inclusive and representative political landscape in New Brunswick.
Holt’s leadership signals a broader shift in Canadian politics, where more women and diverse voices are gaining prominence. For young women across the country, her rise serves as a powerful reminder that leadership roles are within reach, even in traditionally male-dominated spheres.
With her election, Susan Holt has proven that perseverance, skill, and a vision for change can break even the toughest barriers. Her leadership will not only reshape New Brunswick’s political future but also inspire others across Canada to pursue leadership positions and continue to challenge the status quo.
NDP Leader Carla Beck has two planned campaign events today, starting the day with an availability in Moose Jaw and then later this evening attending an event in the capital with the Regina Medical Staff Association.
Saskatchewan Party Leader Scott Moe, meanwhile, will speak in Prince Albert at the start of Voting Week in the province.
Saskatchewan residents can vote for five days starting today in the lead-up to next week’s provincial election, although polls won’t be open Sunday.
The NDP and the Saskatchewan Party are urging voters to cast their ballots early.
Voters can find their polling stations on their information cards or by visiting the Elections Saskatchewan website.
Chief electoral officer Michael Boda says there are about 810,000 registered voters in Saskatchewan.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2024.
