In Canada, the upcoming election on April 28 has sparked discussions on various issues, including tariffs, inequality, and external threats. However, a political debate scheduled for Wednesday night in Montreal has been overshadowed by a competing hockey game.
The French-language debate featuring five political party leaders was initially set for 8 p.m. Eastern time. Due to concerns from two party leaders about the overlap with a 7 p.m. game involving the Montreal Canadiens, the debate's start time was adjusted to 6 p.m.
According to a statement from Radio-Canada and the federal Debates Commission, this change allows citizens to engage in the political discourse while also following the critical moments of the hockey game, which could determine the Canadiens' playoff chances.
Yves François-Blanchet of Bloc Québécois, one of the leaders advocating for the time change, expressed his desire to watch the game but emphasized the importance of addressing serious questions about Canada's and Quebec's futures. He stated, “If the debate can be changed, let’s do that.”
Jagmeet Singh of the New Democratic Party criticized the scheduling conflict, suggesting it reflects a disconnect within Canada’s political system. He remarked that political discussions should not compete with events that hold significant meaning for many Canadians.
The Montreal Canadiens' game is particularly significant as it is the final match of their regular season, with high stakes involved. Following three consecutive losses, the team must either defeat the Carolina Hurricanes or secure a tie to maintain their playoff hopes. If they fail, they will rely on the Columbus Blue Jackets losing their game against the New York Islanders.
François-Blanchet expressed regret over the Canadiens' recent loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, stating that a victory would have alleviated the pressure surrounding the team. The atmosphere in Montreal is tense, with residents feeling anxious about the team's playoff prospects, as noted by NHL.com columnist Dave Stubbs, who described the city's mood as one of “shuffling gingerly across eggshells.”