OTTAWA — Both Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and Liberal Leader Mark Carney are turning their attention to Quebec as the federal election campaign intensifies.
After attracting a crowd of approximately 4,500 supporters at a rally in Hamilton on Tuesday, Poilievre is expected to hold a news conference in Montmagny, Quebec, around noon today, followed by a rally in Quebec City later in the evening.
Meanwhile, Carney, who launched his campaign in Atlantic Canada, will spend today in Ontario, making stops for an announcement and tour in Windsor, another tour in London, and a rally in Kitchener. He has indicated that he will head to Quebec within two days, telling reporters on Tuesday that the province is his next destination.
With 78 federal ridings, Quebec plays a critical role in shaping election results. Recent polling shows the Liberals regaining an advantage over the Bloc Québécois, reversing a previous deficit.
The timing of both parties’ moves comes amid controversy surrounding Carney’s refusal to participate in a planned French-language leaders’ debate hosted by TVA, which was ultimately cancelled. His decision drew criticism from other federal leaders, including Poilievre, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet.
Poilievre took to social media, stating, “The Liberals want to be re-elected for a fourth term, but their leader is too afraid to debate me in French. If Mark Carney is too fragile to debate other leaders, how can he stand up to Donald Trump?”
Singh, who was recently in Montreal, is scheduled to spend today in southern Ontario, starting with an announcement at a seniors’ recreation centre in Hamilton, followed by a campaign event in London.
A fresh Leger poll released this week shows the Liberals leading with 44% support among decided voters, while the Conservatives trail at 38%. The NDP lags significantly with just 6%.