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Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau and his main rival, Conservative leader Andrew Scheer in Gatineau on October 10, 2019, in the last debate before the legislative elections. Adrian Wyld / Pool via REUTERS

Thursday night, the third debate before the legislative elections allowed candidates to express themselves on the economy, immigration or societal issues such as secularism and medical aid in dying. But it is the environment that has crystallized most of the friction.

This last Canadian "leaders' debate" was conducted in French and in a slightly less tense atmosphere than on Monday. A few spades have still enameled this final confrontation before the election of 21 October. As when the leader of the New Democratic Party Jagmeet Singh sent back Justin Trudeau and Andrew Scheer, a great supporter of the Alberta oil industry. " Here we have Mr. Pipeline and here we have Mr. Pipeline, " he said.

The environment was a very present theme in the campaign, each trying to point out the shortcomings of others. Thursday night, the rivals Justin Trudeau have not failed to recall once again its controversial decision to nationalize the Trans Mountain pipeline. " We need to stop all pipelines and shale gas across Canada," said Elizabeth May Greens. The young Swedish activist "Greta Thunberg is right: our house is on fire, how dare you? " The outgoing prime minister defended himself by ensuring that the profits from this pipeline would be reinvested in the ecological transition.

" We know that the transition can not be done overnight, " Trudeau tried to say, having done more for the environment than any other Canadian prime minister before him.

"Compulsive liar"

Elsewhere with the Conservatives in a latest poll released Wednesday night before the last televised debate, Justin Trudeau counter-attacked by accusing the Conservative leader of " proposing tax cuts for the richest ." " You are a compulsive liar ," said Andrew Scheer, who pointed out that the tax cuts promised to the middle class would be partly funded by a 25% reduction in international aid.

With almost 31% of the voting intentions for the Liberals and the Conservatives, it is in any case a minority government that is looming, which will force Justin Trudeau or Andrew Scheer to make alliances.

►Also read: Canada: Justin Trudeau's campaign anthem makes Francophones leap

(with AFP)