The leaders of Canada's four major political parties took to the stage in Montreal Wednesday night for the French-language debate.
Mark Carney, Yves-François Blanchet, Jagmeet Singh, and Pierre Poilievre traded jabs with one another, each focusing on areas where they felt their rivals were falling short.
Leaders were first asked why they were the best qualified to take on President Donald Trump. Poilievre said he would ensure Canada came to the negotiating table from a position of strength, and slammed Carney for his role in the Liberal economic policies that "weakened our country."
Blanchet also took aim at Carney, claiming that the Liberal leader had not proven himself as a worthy negotiator.
"You say you're a negotiator — perhaps negotiating with tax havens — but when it comes to trade agreements, I haven't seen the proof," the Bloc Québécois leader said. "We apparently have to believe you, with no political experience."
Singh grilled Carney over his perceived elitism, pointing out that he buys his own groceries while the Liberal leader does not.
Carney defended himself from attacks levelled at him by his rivals by claiming that he "just started."
"You were Justin Trudeau's economic advisor!" Poilievre replied. "Have you forgotten that?"
Pipelines were a major focus of the debate, with all four leaders offering varying solutions to Canada's energy export woes.
When asked about fears that the Conservatives would be "rolling back" women's rights in Canada, Poilievre made it clear that would not happen under his watch.
"We will not pass legislation that would restrict the right to an abortion," he said. "That's a guarantee."
The leaders are set to meet again tomorrow night for the English debate.