Trudeau, Poilievre set to face off in first QP since Conservative leadership race

In the 12 days since Poilievre assumed his party's top job, sparks have already started to fly between the Conservative leader and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre are set to face off in question period on Thursday — their first direct confrontation since the new Conservative leader was crowned on Sept. 10.

Questions will begin at 2:15 p.m. ET. Global News will carry question period live here.

This won’t be the first time, however, that the leaders have traded barbs in the 12 days since Poilievre has been Conservative Party leader.

Poilievre’s first speech to caucus as leader included several lobs aimed at the Liberal Party — including his call for it to act on the growing affordability challenges Canadians are facing.

“Canadians are out of money, and this prime minister is out of touch,” he said in the Sept. 12 speech.

Trudeau unveiled the government’s proposed affordability measures the following day, on Sept. 13. The plan has already proven to be a contentious topic during question period this week as both parties continue to focus on cost-of-living issues.

The Liberal Party’s proposal includes money for struggling renters, a temporary dental care benefit for some kids under 12, and a one-time boost to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Credit. Of the $4.6-billion plan, $3.1 billion is new money — on top of what was already earmarked in Budget 2022.

Poilievre wasted no time criticizing the proposal publicly, suggesting last week that the spending would not help average Canadians — and could risk making inflation worse.