Fireworks between Andrew Sheer and Justin Trudeau were at the forefront of last night’s English Language Leaders Debate.

The debate was broadcast live from the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec.

Conservative leader Andrew Scheer used his first opportunity to speak to call the Prime Minister a “fraud”. Sheer says Trudeau only pretends to stand up for Canada, invoking the controversy surrounding his wearing blackface and accusing him of always wearing a mask.

The tension between the two persisted.

Trudeau stayed on the defensive and rarely struck back, instead attempting to pivot into policy issues such as climate change, saying the Liberals have done more to tackle climate change than any other Canadian government.

The NDP’s Jagmeet Singh was the only candidate to win a round of applause when he pointed out that there were alternatives to the two lead parties, saying voters did not “need to choose between Mr. Delay and Mr. Deny.”

The NDP, Green Party, Bloc Quebecois and the People’s Party also took part in the debate. Each party was given the same opportunity to speak about major issues brought forward from Canadians.

Few Come Out to Watch Debate at Board of Trade Event

The St. John’s Board of Trade hosted a Leader’s Debate watch party at the Mount Pearl Square Cineplex last night, but not many came out to see the action on the big screen.

Brandon Ellis was one of the people in the audience. He isn’t surprised by the turnout, but says it was entertaining for those who came.

Ellis says the format of the debate left something to be desired. He says party leaders were talking over each other too much, and that the moderators did not have the best control over the conversation.

The next French Language Leader’s Debate will be live this Thursday.

Election Day is October 21.