Despite saying he would, Carney won't take part in TVA debate: Campaign
Top Liberal has faced scrutiny for his French skills, particularly during party's leadership race
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OTTAWA — Oui, ou no?
That’s the question facing Liberal Leader Mark Carney, who despite suggesting on Monday that he’d take part in TVA’s French-language leaders debate, his campaign is reportedly saying he won’t.
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During a Monday morning campaign stop in Gander, N.L., Carney was asked in French by a Radio-Canada reporter if he would be appearing on the Quebec broadcaster’s Face-à-Face French-language debate.
“Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is challenging you to participate in TVA’s Face-à-Face,” Fannie Olivier asked Carney, who made a grin and slightly mocking gesture when asked if he would participate.
“Pourquoi pas?” Carney responded, which means “why not?”
“Pourquoi pas? Oui, Oui.”
Later on Monday, reporters began posting on X that Carney’s campaign reportedly told them the Liberal leader would not be taking part.
“Liberal Leader Mark Carney will not participate in the TVA ‘Face à Face‘ debate, as per his campaign,” wrote Global Parliament Hill reporter Mackenzie Gray.
“No reason was provided by the party as to why he won’t participate.”
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“Mr. Carney will not participate in the proposed ‘Face a Face‘ organized by TVA,” a campaign spokesperson told the Toronto Sun, adding that Carney looks forward to participating in the official French-language debate on April 16 and the English debate on April 17.
Earlier this month, TVA said it would charge each party $75,000 to take part in their televised debate, citing the need to cover production costs.
Carney has faced scrutiny for his French skills, particularly after poor debate performances during the Liberal leadership race.
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