This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 18, 2025. Taking part in his first English election debate, Liberal Leader Mark Carney cast himself as a safe pair of hands for a Canada in crisis — while Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre sought to frame him as more of the same after a decade of Liberal government.

A big question heading into the two-hour forum was whether Liberal leader Mark Carney, who has been leading in the polls, would stumble. Carney, the former governor of the Bank of England, managed to survive Wednesday's French debate despite being less proficient in the country's second language.

Prime Minister Mark Carney was repeatedly the target of his opponents. President Trump’s threats on Canada loomed over the debate.