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For many francophone Canadians, the Liberal leadership debate on Monday was the first opportunity to hear each candidate speak extensively and mostly unscripted in French. That was particularly true for Mark Carney, the race’s frontrunner whose ability to think and communicate quickly in French has gone largely untested in the public’s eye.
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They were very likely disappointed as the former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor frequently stumbled, hesitated and occasionally needed to be corrected by his leadership rivals throughout the French encounter.
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First Liberal leadership ‘debate’ offers little to distinguish between the candidates
One particularly embarrassing moment for him came when the candidates were discussing Canada’s role in the Israel-Hamas war. After Frank Baylis said that a Palestinian State had to be established without any involvement by terrorist group Hamas, Carney noted that he was “in agreement with Hamas.”
Former finance minister and deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland quickly jumped in to point out that the party did not support Hamas and he corrected his French to say that he meant “with no Hamas.”
After the debate, Freeland was asked whether she was trying to help Carney or showcase her own French skills by jumping in to correct him “a number of times.”
“I just remember the question on Hamas,” Freeland said in a video posted by CBC. “I know Mark well, and I know his positions. And for me, as a Liberal, it was important to clarify that position for all Canadians and for all Liberals because I knew in that moment It could be dangerous for all of us. So that was an instant that went by very quickly.”
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Carney was asked in English if his command of French is not strong enough to be the Liberal leader.
Carney started answering in French before switching to English.
“You asked me in English, I’ll answer in English. I said that we all were in agreement against Hamas — at least the intentiom. Ah, no, je suis, I look forward, if I am selected as Liberal leader, I look forward to having a debate avec Yves Françcois Blanchet et Pierre Poilievre,” Carney said, switching to French, before continuing, “I’m sorry, I’ll answer in English. I look forward to having a debate with them, in French.”
Before the race, a source close to Carney said he was hoping to not only show that his French had vastly improved, but also to showcase more of his personality to Liberal voters.
The quality and fluidity of the other candidates’ French also varied significantly, with Baylis — the race’s only Quebecer — sounding the most comfortable, followed by former government House leader Karina Gould and Freeland.
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