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Farmers Weigh-In on 2025 Leaders Debate

Farmers Weigh-In on 2025 Leaders Debate
Apr 21, 2025
By Mathew Murphy
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

Users on Agriville.com share their takes on the federal leaders’ debate

Following the English-language federal leaders’ debate on April 17, users on Agriville.com offered an unfiltered view of how the night played out from the countryside’s perspective.

The conversation revealed a mix of admiration, frustration, skepticism, and sharp political instincts shaped by years of observing federal politics from outside the Ottawa bubble.

Pierre Poilievre emerged as the debate's clear winner among many posters. He was described as composed, confident, and in control of his message.

Several users believed he avoided major missteps while other candidates struggled to land decisive blows.

Mark Carney, leading the Liberals for the first time, was a central focus—especially after mentioning Donald Trump’s name several times, according to users. One poster claimed Carney “used Trump’s name 37 times,” while another dismissed it as a fear tactic that wouldn't resonate with voters in the West.

Yves-François Blanchet's inclusion raised questions, with some users asking why the Bloc Québécois was invited to a national debate while the Green Party was excluded.

“He doesn’t run candidates here [in Western Canada],” one farmer pointed out, suggesting the presence of a Quebec-only party did little to represent Western concerns.

Blanchet’s comments on equalization and oil development drew sharp rebukes, reigniting long-standing grievances about how the West is treated in federal politics.

Economic issues were another major flashpoint in the Agriville discussion.

Carney’s $130 billion spending proposal received significant backlash, with users warning it could worsen debt and inflation.

Some linked his policies to broader frustrations with affordability, housing, and rising costs in rural Canada.

A few suggested that recent social programs—like dental care and childcare—were less about proactive governance and more about managing crises created by previous decisions.

The debate also prompted reflection on political style and tone.

Some users noted Poilievre, Carney, and Blanchet were cordial after the debate, while Singh left without interaction.

Interpretations varied, with some seeing it as a symbolic distancing and others simply dismissing it as theatre. Either way, Singh received criticism from users who felt his messaging lacked clarity and focus.

Overall, the Agriville.com thread painted a picture of a politically engaged, highly skeptical rural electorate.

While views varied on policy and party, there was a consistent desire for stronger regional representation, fiscal discipline, and media transparency.

With an election looming, it’s clear this corner of the country won’t be quietly watching from the sidelines.

For more information about what the Party Leaders said about agriculture, check out this article: Federal Parties Share Agricultural Visions in CFA Debate

To view the full thread of Agriville.com, check it out here: Leaders debate (in English)


Trending Video

Canada's Agriculture Day 2025

Video: Canada's Agriculture Day 2025

Let's celebrate Canadian agriculture.

Well, number one, you don't eat without farmers. Farmers put food on the table. And what could be more important than that?

Well, I think it's important that Canadians understand exactly what takes place, what happens to produce this food, no matter what sector you're talking about.

An awful lot of work goes into that. It's important to understand that meat does not come out of a showcase, and milk does not come out of a bottle. It's produced by farmers and hard work.

Canada has the best farmers in the world. And agriculture is vital to Canada.

In 2024, our agriculture and agri-food sector represented $150 billion of Canada's GDP, nearly $100 billion of our exports, and one in nine jobs.

From grains to fruits to dairy and beef, we are truly blessed with an incredible bounty. Having spent my whole life in agriculture, I see so much potential for the sector.

This time last year, I was proud to open our first-ever agriculture and trade office in the Indo-Pacific, the world’s fastest-growing economy, to cement our presence in the region and grow our exports even more. We've also been making historic investments to help our farmers to boost their yields, protect the planet, and earn a fair living.

The world wants more top-quality, sustainable food, and I know our Canadian farmers can deliver. And it's so important that you do that with pride. We need you.

Quite simply, you eat the most top quality food in the world. You do that because of the quality of farmers and ranchers you have in this country.

Just say thank you to a farmer or a rancher. They work very hard, yes, for a living, but also with a sense of pride in what they produce.

That's what Canada's Agriculture Day is all about.