Carney and Poilievre Agree on Pipelines as Trump and Trade Tensions Dominate French-Language Leaders’ Debate
In a rare moment of alignment during the heated French-language leaders’ debate, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and former Bank of Canada governor-turned-political newcomer Mark Carney found common ground on the importance of expanding Canada’s pipeline infrastructure. The debate, which took place ahead of the upcoming federal election, was largely framed by looming concerns over the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency and its potential impact on Canada’s trade and energy sectors.
While the debate covered a broad range of policy issues, from housing affordability to immigration, energy security and Canada’s trade relationship with the United States dominated the discourse. Both Poilievre and Carney emphasized the need to secure and expand energy export routes—particularly pipelines—to reduce reliance on less stable global markets and to strengthen Canada’s economic independence in anticipation of shifting U.S. policies.
Poilievre, speaking confidently in French, reiterated his support for building pipelines as a way to boost Canada’s economic sovereignty and create well-paying jobs. “Canada needs to stop apologizing for its resources,” he said. “We should be the solution to the world’s energy needs, not tied down by red tape and political indecision.”
Carney, who has positioned himself as a centrist voice with a global economic background, echoed the sentiment. “Pipelines, if built with the right environmental and Indigenous consultations, are part of the strategy for Canada’s transition and long-term energy security,” he said, drawing a clear distinction from left-leaning critics who oppose further fossil fuel infrastructure.
The debate’s energy focus was further underscored by growing fears over a possible second Trump administration. Several candidates voiced concerns about the impact of “America First” trade policies and the need for Canada to diversify its export markets. Carney warned that Trump’s return could bring a new wave of protectionism, making it critical for Canada to reduce dependency on the U.S. and invest in both infrastructure and innovation.
Despite their alignment on pipelines, Carney and Poilievre clashed on other economic policies, particularly taxation and social spending. Still, their mutual emphasis on energy development stood out as a key theme of the evening and may resonate with voters concerned about the future of Canada’s economy and its international standing.
As the election campaign heats up, the French-language debate offered a glimpse into how party leaders are framing the most urgent issues facing the country. With Trump’s potential return looming large and global energy dynamics in flux, the shared focus on pipelines by two ideologically distinct figures suggests that energy policy will be a defining issue in the months to come.
Source : The Canadian Press
