The Latest: Leaders face off in French-language debate, first of two official events

Photo: The Canadian Press

Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole arrives for the federal election French-language debate in Gatineau, Que, Wednesday, September 8, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

The Latest on the French-language leaders' debate among Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet and Green Party Leader Annamie Paul (all times local):

9:20 p.m.

Singh wouldn't say what will happen to the Trans Mountain pipeline if New Democrats form government, just that they would assess the situation.

The leaders were pressed on the fate of the pipeline —which the federal government bought from Kinder Morgan in 2018 — if they take the reins after Sept. 20.

The existing Alberta-to-B.C. pipeline has been operating for decades and a project to nearly triple its capacity is underway, over the objections of some coastal First Nations.

Trudeau said some Indigenous communities want to buy the pipeline and would continue to operate it until "we don't need it anymore."

O'Toole, meanwhile, said only that families in Western Canada need an economic recovery, but didn't say how long he would want the pipeline to be used.

Blanchet pledged to give the pipeline to the people of Alberta, while Paul said it should be cancelled.

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8:30 p.m.

The leaders were pushed to spell out how much money they would give the provinces for health care — specifically, whether they would hand over the additional $28 billion requested by premiers.

Singh said the NDP would boost health-care transfers, but wouldn't say by how much, while Paul would only say her party would discuss the issue with the provinces.

Trudeau pledged an additional $25 billion, with some conditions regarding how the money could be spent.

O'Toole said a Conservative government wouldn't attach any strings to the funding, out of respect for provincial jurisdiction.

Blanchet said he would demand the additional $28 billion for the provinces.

Quebec Premier François Legault has previously bristled at what he called a "centralist" approach by Ottawa in tying health-care funding to specific initiatives, such as hiring doctors.

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8:20 p.m.

Paul was pressed on why her party hasn't released a costed plan, with only two weeks left until Canadians go to the polls.

The Green Party leader said a costed platform is "coming," but wouldn't say when.

She pointed to the short campaign as contributing to the delay.

The NDP also has yet to release the costing for its platform, while the Conservatives released their costing hours before tonight's debate.

The Liberals released their platform, with costing, last week.

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8:10 p.m.

Several of the leaders are highlighting the importance of working together if this month's election ends in another minority government.

The debate's moderator, Patrice Roy, asked all five leaders whether they would commit to not triggering another election in a minority situation.

Trudeau went first, repeating his rationale for sending Canadians to the ballots — that the government needs a clear mandate to make decisions on pulling the country out of the pandemic.

O'Toole and Paul both said collaboration in the House is paramount, while Blanchet said his party would support any government measures that are good for Quebec.

Singh said he would respect the mandate given by Canadians to the government they elect.

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7:30 p.m.

Green Party Leader Annamie Paul has arrived at the debate venue by car — the last of the five leaders to make their way to the museum.

Speaking to reporters on her way in, Paul says she welcomes the release of the Conservatives' costed platform, but hasn't seen it yet.

She says her message to Canadians during tonight's event will be that her party is ambitious and promises real action on climate change.

Climate is one of the designated topics for the debate, along with the cost of living, public finances, Indigenous issues, justice, foreign policy and the COVID-19 pandemic.

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7:25 p.m.

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau has arrived at the museum for tonight's French-language debate.

As his motorcade drives into the museum's driveway, some in the crowd gathered on the sidewalk to boo him.

A few dozen people have also gathered outside the venue, including some who appear to be supporters of the People's Party of Canada and the Bloc Québécois.

The Liberal leader stepped out of his vehicle, waved and headed inside without stopping to speak to reporters.

Trudeau's campaign has been dogged by angry protesters, and tensions reached a new high Monday when someone threw gravel at him during an event in London, Ont.

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7:20 p.m.

Three of the leaders taking part in tonight's French-language debate have arrived at the Museum of Canadian History in Gatineau, Que., across from Parliament Hill.

Bloc Québécois Yves-François arrived first, walking up to the museum with his wife and stopping to speak to reporters for a few moments before going inside.

He said, in English, that the Conservatives released their costed platform too late for it to be analyzed before the debate.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh also made a few remarks, in French, saying he'll present his plan to Canadians.

Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, meanwhile, went inside without speaking to reporters.

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6:30 p.m.

A small group of People's Party of Canada supporters wearing party merchandise stands on the sidewalk near the Museum of Canadian History in Gatineau, Que., where tonight's debate is being held.

A large number of people dressed in the party's gear — as well as one of its candidates — were also present at a London, Ont., event Monday where protesters threw gravel at Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau.

The leaders have not yet arrived at the museum for the debate, which is set to begin at 8 p.m.