Tories have accused the Liberal leader of “hiding” from two debates.
OTTAWA — The Liberals have not confirmed if Justin Trudeau will attend or be a no-show to the first federal leaders’ debate next month. That debate, sponsored by Maclean’s magazine and Citytv and hosted by journalist Paul Wells, will take place Sept. 12 in Toronto. Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer, New Democrat Leader Jagmeet Singh, and Green Party Leader Elizabeth May have all confirmed their participation.
“The Liberal party has committed to participating in the commission’s debates,” spokesperson Braeden Caley said Wednesday, referring to two official election debates to be hosted by a partnership of media outlets, including HuffPost Canada, in October. Asked if Trudeau would attend the Maclean’s and Citytv debate or the planned Munk debate on foreign policy on Oct. 1, Caley said the party is still mulling its options.“Other organizations have also started to express interest in holding debates or forums, but we have not yet made any new commitments or decisions.”
Scheer and May have also confirmed their participation in the Munk debate, while Trudeau and Singh have yet to announce their plans.“We’re still trying to make the Munk debate work, we haven’t confirmed our attendance yet,” said NDP spokesperson Melanie Richer.
Tories launch new attack
Uncertainty over Trudeau’s attendance in the Maclean’s/Citytv and Munk debates has inspired a fresh Conservative attack against the Liberal leader.
Conservatives released a press release Tuesday suggesting Trudeau is “hiding” and “running away” from debates ahead of the next election. “Just because Trudeau has a lot to run away and hide from doesn’t mean he should,” it read.
Meanwhile, Liberals are also accusing Scheer of avoiding questions about his stances on same-sex marriage and abortion.
By Zi-Ann Lum www.huffingtonpost.ca/
Friday, May 15, 2026
