The state of the Canadian economy and U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade threats topped the agenda for the Liberal party’s English language leadership debate, the second in as many days and the last of the campaign.
Presumed front-runner and former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney and former finance minister Chrystia Freeland clashed over the Liberal government’s record of economic management.
“Our economy was weak before we got to the point of these threats from President Trump,” Carney said. “That’s why we need big changes to how we’re managing this economy.”
He said the economy has relied in recent years on a big boost to the labour force caused by a surge in immigration, along with government spending that grew at a rapid clip.
Freeland argued that Canada is in a “strong fiscal position” and that Liberals should deliver solid economic and social policy at the same time.
“We need to be really careful not to repeat Conservative talking points,” she said. “Canada most definitely is not broken. We are a strong, resilient country.”
Freeland said she would improve productivity by improving interprovincial trade, recognizing the foreign credentials of professionals who are already here, cutting red tape to get large projects built, and protecting rural farmers — including supply management.
The candidates drew sharper contrasts with each other than they did in Monday’s French debate, though they stopped short of launching outright attacks.
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Montreal businessman Frank Baylis positioned himself as the only candidate who understands business and politics, saying he’ll bring “fiscal discipline to Ottawa” by increasing productivity.
Former Liberal House leader Karina Gould said increasing productivity over a short period would not help balance the books.
She said that as the country faces a time of great economic stress, Ottawa should be there to support Canadians, just “like the federal…
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