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The Latest on the federal leaders’ English-language election debate

Sep 9, 2021 | 6:47 PM

The Latest on the English-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 Anomie Paul (all times local):

8:30 p.m.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has arrived at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que., in a blue minivan.

He stopped to talk to reporters about the need to get vaccinated against COVID-19. 

Singh says all leaders agree that getting vaccinated is one of the most important things they can do to fight the pandemic and keep people safe. 

Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet is already inside the museum, having entered through another door. 

8:20 p.m.

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau has arrived at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que., in a black SUV, surrounded by RCMP vehicles. 

A supporter of the People’s Party of Canada screamed into a megaphone: “You’re not my prime minister.” 

Trudeau, wearing a red tie, waved to journalists but did not come to speak to them. 

 A protester says through a megaphone: “Quebecers are sick of you.”

8:05 p.m.

Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole has arrived at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que., for tonight’s debate.

O’Toole stepped out of a black SUV and flashed a thumbs-up, replying “good” when someone asked him how he feels. 

O’Toole carried on into the museum without answering questions, as he did on Wednesday before the French-language debate.

8 p.m.

Green Party Leader Annamie Paul has arrived at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que., for tonight’s debate.

Paul didn’t answer a question about whether she needs a good night to save her leadership, saying she is focused on the debate.

She says she felt the need to jump into Wednesday’s French-language debate when child care was being discussed because she was the only woman on stage and that’s an issue that impacts women.

The other leaders have yet to arrive.

7:25 p.m.

A group of People’s Party of Canada supporters have gathered on the street outside the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que., across from Parliament Hill, where tonight’s debate is being held.

Dressed in purple, they are holding signs with slogans supporting Maxime Bernier, the party’s leader, while others have anti-Justin Trudeau slogans.

A speaker at a microphone is calling out the names of local candidates.

The sun is setting and the leaders have not yet arrived at the museum for the debate, which is set to begin at 9 p.m.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 9, 2021.

The Canadian Press