Four candidates for the leadership of Canada’s Liberal Party have faced off in a heated debate, seeking to distance themselves from Justin Trudeau’s legacy and signal their readiness to take on Donald Trump.

The front-runners are former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney, former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, former Minister Karina Gould and former MP Frank Baylis. For two hours, they debated key issues: the rising cost of living, the housing affordability crisis, the economy and social welfare policy.

The most heated debate was between Carney and Freeland.

Carney: “Canada is at a crossroads. We cannot afford half measures. We need massive investment in social programs, taxing corporate windfalls and taking decisive action on climate change. People must come first, not corporate interests.”

Freeland: “Mark, balance is key. Yes, affordability is an issue, but we cannot push businesses into a corner. We need jobs, investment, and a competitive economy.”

When the debate turned to housing affordability, Carney pushed for tough rent controls and taxes on corporations that benefit from inflation. Freeland countered, warning that excessive regulation and government spending would only make the crisis worse.

Despite their differences, all candidates agreed on one thing: the government must do more to support citizens in times of economic uncertainty.