Federal Leaders’ Debates Scheduled for April: Key Political Showdowns Ahead of Election

Ottawa, April 8, 2025 — With the federal election on the horizon, the Leaders’ Debates Commission has officially scheduled two highly anticipated national debates, offering Canadians a front-row seat to hear directly from party leaders as they lay out their visions for the country.

The French-language debate will take place on Tuesday, April 16, with veteran broadcaster Patrice Roy serving as moderator. This debate is particularly crucial for parties aiming to connect with Francophone voters, especially in Quebec, where key battleground ridings could sway the outcome of the election.

The English-language debate is scheduled for the following day, Wednesday, April 17, and will be moderated by respected journalist Steve Paikin, best known for his work with TVO’s The Agenda. This debate will cater to a national English-speaking audience, covering broad policy issues ranging from the economy and healthcare to climate change and foreign affairs.

Both debates will feature leaders from the country’s major political parties:

• Justin Trudeau – Liberal Party
• Pierre Poilievre – Conservative Party
• Jagmeet Singh – New Democratic Party
• Yves-François Blanchet – Bloc Québécois
• Elizabeth May – Green Party

These debates mark a pivotal moment in the campaign trail, offering voters the chance to assess each leader’s stance on critical issues, their leadership styles, and how they handle direct challenges from their opponents.

The Leaders’ Debates Commission has emphasized its commitment to providing a fair and informative platform for all participating parties. The debates will be broadcast live across multiple networks and online platforms to ensure accessibility for all Canadians.

Stay tuned as the nation prepares for two nights of high-stakes political discourse—an essential step for voters heading into the ballot box this spring.