Following the intense first Quebec election debate, the party leaders are diving back into the fray.
Dubbed the “Grand Débat des chefs,” this showdown features the heads of Quebec’s five political parties facing off for the second consecutive night. This event is part of a series of three election debates conducted solely in French as part of the provincial election campaign.
During this crucial debate, five key topics will take center stage: the impact of U.S. tariffs on Quebec’s economy and cost of living, the condition of Quebec’s schools and hospitals in terms of finances and infrastructure, the future of social media and anxiety for the province’s children, health and homelessness concerns, and the protection of the French language.
The latest debate, which takes place on Wednesday night at the Campus Bell on Montreal’s Nun’s Island, is being broadcast on Crave and Noovo, with Michel Bherer as the host.
The lineup of leaders includes Christine Fréchette (CAQ), Charles Milliard (Liberals), Paul St-Pierre Plamondon (PQ), Ruba Ghazal (Québec solidaire), and Éric Duhaime (Conservatives). In the previous debate, held on Tuesday night, these leaders engaged in heated discussions.
Fréchette faced sharp criticism early on, with opponents scrutinizing her party’s governance over the past eight years. They strived to paint her as a continuation of her predecessor, François Legault, highlighting the party’s history.
The CAQ was specifically targeted for its alleged mismanagement of taxpayer funds, with accusations of treating public money as if it were from a game of Monopoly.
Quebec voters are eagerly anticipating the next debate scheduled for Sept. 23, leading up to the pivotal election day on Oct. 5.
