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This week on ‘Focus Montreal’: Oct. 13, 2019

From left: Luc Joli-Coeur (Green Party), Ève Péclet (NDP) and Neil Drabkin (Conservative) debate the economy on Focus Montreal. Global News

Focus Montreal returns with the last Quebec electoral district candidate debate.

This week, Global Montreal invited candidates to debate the economy, including the issue of Canada’s deficit spending, the costs of climate action and the parties’ general economic policy platforms.
Global News Montreal previously hosted Quebec electoral district candidate debates on immigration, the environment and healthcare.

READ MORE: Liberals, Conservatives offer duelling tax plans in battle over middle-class voters

The candidates present at the debate were Conservative candidate Neil Drabkin from NDG-Westmount, NDP’s Ève Péclet, who is running in La Pointe-de-l’Île and the Green Party’s Luc Joli-Coeur from the riding of Quebec.

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Global Montreal reached out to the Liberal Party and Bloc Québécois, but neither party sent candidates to take part in the debate.

Deficit spending 

Statistics Canada reported that as of March 2019, Canada’s net debt was at approximately $768 billion. 

If re-elected, the Liberals project a deficit of $20 billion per year for the next four years in spending and tax cuts, which would add an additional $31.5 billion to Canadian debt. 

Global’s Elysia Bryan Baynes asked the candidates what their party’s stance is on deficit spending and whether they believe that type of deficit spending is responsible. Watch below.

Click to play video: 'Focus Montreal economy debate part 1'
Focus Montreal economy debate part 1

READ MORE: Tired of high cellphone and internet bills? This election is full of promise(s)

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Financial costs of going green

Climate change is a key issue among voters this election, and all the parties have different plans to deal with the pressing environmental concern. 

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As the Canadian economy shifts to cleaner, greener industries ⁠— notably within the energy sector⁠ — many Canadians are equally concerned about the economic losses they may suffer due to this shift.

Bryan Baynes asked the candidates what their party’s plan is to mitigate the financial costs of going green. Watch below.

General economic policy plans

From the national debt and deficit spending to climate costs, affordable housing, employment, childcare and more ⁠— there are many economic issues to look out for this election.

Bryan Baynes asked the candidates how their party’s economic plans would benefit Canadians and address the issues they are concerned with. Watch below.

Click to play video: 'Focus Montreal economy debate part 3'
Focus Montreal economy debate part 3

REALITY CHECK: Trudeau claims Scheer is giving Canada’s wealthiest a $50,000 tax break

Focus Montreal introduces Montrealers to the people who are shaping the community by bringing their stories into focus.

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The show airs on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. as well as Sunday at 7:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and midnight.

–With files from Global News’ Andrew Russell

READ MORE: A breakdown of false, inaccurate statements leaders made during the leaders’ debate

Click to play video: 'Federal Election 2019: Trudeau asked if he believes Conservative attacks put him at risk'
Federal Election 2019: Trudeau asked if he believes Conservative attacks put him at risk

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