The final showdown of the Quebec provincial election race heated up on Wednesday evening as the five party leaders engaged in a spirited debate just 12 days before the crucial election day. With the clock ticking down, each leader made their case on key issues such as the future of Quebec, the economy, tax cuts, public services, child care, and health during the lively encounter hosted by Radio-Canada in Montreal.
Outside the Radio-Canada building, a buzzing mix of supporters, protesters, and ambulance sirens greeted the party leaders as they arrived in their campaign buses. Éric Duhaime of the Quebec Conservatives, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon of the PQ, Ruba Ghazal of Québec solidaire, Charles Milliard of the Quebec Liberals, and Christine Fréchette of the CAQ were met with a diverse crowd of supporters and demonstrators.
Amidst the chaos, Ghazal took the time to interact with various protesters, including unionized workers, paramedics, climate activists, and pro-Palestinian supporters, who were vocal about their respective causes through flags, signs, and chants.
This final debate marked the last opportunity for the leaders to face off on the same stage, following a series of intense French-language debates last week. With no English debate this year, the stakes were high as multiple polls indicated the Parti Québécois, led by St-Pierre Plamondon, as the front-runner poised to potentially lead the next government.
As the countdown to the election on October 5 continues, all eyes are on Quebec as voters prepare to make their voices heard.
