We believe there was no clear cut ‘winner’ of last nights debate.  You would likely conclude that the winner of the debate was the leader which may have already been preferred.  Poilievre hit Carney hard on his time as economic advisor to then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.  Citing ten years of Liberal mismanagement, five of which Carney was advising Trudeau.  This was noted numerous times by Poilievre.  One point which proved to stump Carney was when Poilievre pointed out that the same liberal advisers and ministers to Justin Trudeau are advising him on this campaign.  Carney responded by stating ‘ I write my own talking points’.

Singh proved to be a thorn in Poilievre’s side often interrupting during Poilievre’s allotted time which seemed to make it tougher for Poilievre to clearly articulate his points. Carney fared well, coming across as astute and stately. In terms of references to policy, Poilievre focused on cost of living and inflation.  Carney made points around housing and national sovereignty. 

Government spending was not directly referred to, although both Poilievre and Carney, in this campaign, have pontificated that government spending will be reduced through finding efficiencies and attrition.  Private sector organizations who do business with the federal government should be advised to demonstrate how their products / services assist the government achieving their efficiency goals.