Mark Carney, the front-runner in the race to become Canada’s next prime minister, squared off for the first time with rival Chrystia Freeland in a French-language TV debate that focused on how to handle US President Donald Trump.

Canada's Liberal Party leadership candidates, former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney, former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, former House leader Karina Gould and former Liberal MP Frank Baylis stand next to each other before participating in a French language debate ahead of the March 9 vote to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau,

Mark Carney, Chrystia Freeland, Karina Gould and Frank Baylis - had a chance to make their case to voters and challenge each other over two debates this week. The winner of the race will go on to be the next Prime Minister and will head directly into a tariff war with Donald Trump and an imminent federal election.

U.S. President Donald Trump delved into Canadian politics, sharply criticizing Liberal leadership candidate Chrystia Freeland and stating that Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre does not align with his “MAGA” philosophy.

Bank of England governor, who will succeed Justin Trudeau, says he will keep tariffs until "Americans show us respect".

Ms. Freeland is vying to become Canada’s next Liberal Party leader and prime minister on Sunday. Her chances could hinge on whether voters consider President Trump’s dislike of her an asset.

Former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney was selected by the Liberal Party as its new leader. The 59-year-old will replace Justin Trudeau as prime minister. Carney beat former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland by a landslide.

Freeland said that in Peace River, well known Conservatives, who have known her all her life, came forward with cheques to help her campaign. Her staff say one of those Conservative supporters asked them to write the words “Liberal Party of Canada” on the cheque, because they couldn’t bring themselves to do it.

U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in this week on domestic Canadian politics, firing insults at Chrystia Freeland and saying Pierre Poilievre is not a "MAGA guy" as his deadline to impose steep tariffs on Canada inches closer.

Mark Carney secured the Liberal leadership with 86 per cent support, vowing to defend Canada's sovereignty against US ambitions. His remarks follow Donald Trump's repeated calls for Canada to become America's 51st state.