Federal party leaders’ debates set for April ahead of Election 2025

Federal party leaders are expected to face off in two nationally televised debates ahead of the 2025 federal election.

The French-language debate is scheduled for April 16, followed by the English-language debate on April 17. While official invitations will not be announced until April 1, Liberal leader Mark Carney, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, and Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet are anticipated to participate.

Green Party leader Elizabeth May could also join the debates if her party meets two out of three eligibility criteria: polling at 4 per cent nationally, nominating candidates in 90 per cent of Canada’s 338 ridings, or holding a seat in the House of Commons. The Maxime Bernier, leader of the People’s Party of Canada does not meet the criteria to participate in the faceoff.

The debates are expected to be a potentially pivotal moment in a tight election where both the Conservative Party of Canada and the Liberal Party are tied in the polls. They will also be the only time Canadians will be able to hear directly from party leaders at the same time as they make their case ahead of the election.