In its length, in its cost and in its debate schedule, this election is unusual. The first and possibly only real debate of the campaign ended and here are the highlights of what happened.

Round 1: The Economy

Trudeau starts by reminding Canadians Harper inherited a decade of surpluses and has a record of 8 consecutive deficits. #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

The economic trackrecord of this government varies on who you ask but the interesting thing to note is the stark contrast between Harper’s narrative and the actual state of the economy.

Harper says Canada has the strongest economic growth in the G7 (Yet Canada is the only country veering toward another recession) #macdebate
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

#GPC Elizabeth May says balancing budget is a political narrative and this year’s budget was faking a balance and fiddling with the books

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Mulcair says he has solid plan to provide tax cuts to small businesses which represent 80% of jobs to kick start growth #macdebate
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Trudeau to Mulcair: corporate tax hike would hurt job growth, should tax the 1%. Mulcair: Canadians paying fair share, corporations aren’t

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Mulcair says Harper is the only PM in history that asks “which one?” when asked about recessions. #macdebate
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

The highlight that will be taken from it happens in these 30 seconds where Harper accidentally admits that Canada is in recession.

#GPC May: Lack of transparency on trade means China will be looking over the shoulder of next PM to decide what laws we can pass #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Round 2: Energy

Harper: Energy exports have increased – uranium and coal to Asia. The government doesn’t build pipelines, we favor the process. #macdebate
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Harper: May be the case that new President needed in US to get Keystone pipeline passed. Confident next President will approve it #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Harper: Pipeline approved based on process with 200 conditions. #macdebate
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Harper: Obama said US would decide based on America’s best interest – no mention on environment. #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Round 3: The Environment

May: No credibility in Harper’s climate plan. Violent weather already happening. #macdebate
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Trudeau: Can’t make a choice based on economy and environment. Harper can’t get products to market since no trust #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Harper: We are first government to reduce emissions and grow the economy. Done by sector to sector regulations #macdebate
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Harper: Trudeau would bring in carbon tax #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Mulcair: Harper had no success getting goods to market #macdebate
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

May: Straight upline emissions increase since 2009 in Greenhouse emissions #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Harper: opponents rejecting all pipeline projects. Trudeau: not true. #macdebate
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Trudeau: Harper inventing taxes, Canadians are tired of it. #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Harper: 2030 target for GHG 30% of 2005 levels will be met, needs more regulation and technological transformation #macdebate
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Chair to Harper: I was there in 2008 when you promised regulations for oil and gas industry, Mr. Harper, when are they coming? #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Trudeau: Harper turned oil sands into scapegoat for climate change. Lack of leadership huring Canadian jobs and relations #macdebates
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Mulcair: Thorough process needed, NDP would rather create oil-related jobs in Canada. #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Gotta count the times Trudeau tells Harper: “No one believes you.” #macdebate https://t.co/8NS6eqD1kJ
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Mulcair: NDP will take different approach to work with First Nations rather than fight them – reason no projects got off table #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Trudeau: Mulcair inconsistent, in English: support Energy East, in Quebec: never gonna happen. Not leadership #macdebate
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Harper: Trudeau is doing the same as Mulcair on pipelines, Trudeau cuts in: that’s not true, your friends have been attacking me nonstop

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Harper: carbon tax proposals mean revenue for governments. Carbon tax not about reducing emissions, for getting money for govt. #macdebate
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

May: Will you join us, say no to pipeline & defend coasts. Mulcair: Won’t object or support pipelines, should all go through objective eval

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Harper: Scientific analysis before any can proceed. Mulcair already ruled out before seeing it. Mulcair: Consult my track record in QC
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

May calling out Mulcair on Kinder Morgan. It’s clear.. this is my track record… non-committal response #macdebate

— Rosemary Barton (@RosieBarton) August 7, 2015

Harper: Eliminated subsidies to oil sector, moving toward liquified gas #macdebate
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Trudeau: Harper misunderstands the role of government and future thinking #LPC committed to working with provinces on carbon reg #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Half way through

Half way through it was clear Trudeau stole the first round and Mulcair and May took the second. One thing that was noticeable, however, was Harper’s weakness.

So far, debate close to call. Trudeau noticeably strong & assertive. Mulcair trying to be conciliatory. Harper having a hard time #macdebate
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Round 4: Accountability and Democratic Reform

Next topic: Accountability and Democratic Reform. Anyone remember Harper’s 2006 campaign? #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

May: 40% of Canadians haven’t voted. Vote abandoning a bigger problem than vote splitting. #macdebate
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

It didn’t take long for the debate to go off the rails as the NDP’s Sherbrooke Declaration took the spotlight.

Trudeau: PM should side with Supreme Court on matters of national unity. Mulcair: Worked 13 years against separatists. #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Harper: Why bring up debate on clarity act when Quebecers already rejected separatism other than to pander to separatists?
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Clarity Act attack from Trudeau but Mulcair hits back that Trudeau. “What is your number?” “9” responds Trudeau. Supreme Court. #macdebate

— Evan Solomon (@EvanLSolomon) August 7, 2015

Bringing up the terms of separation when it’s a non-issue is reckless and irresponsible Mr. Mulcair #macdebate https://t.co/CpoDPrhm1E
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Trudeau: No PM should make it easier for Quebec to separate from Canada. Mulcair would make a referendum of 50%+1 enough to break up country

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

1st: Funny that for Mulcair, 50%+1 is enough to break up country but 66% needed to amend #NDP constitution… 2nd: Separatists? #macdebate
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

The debate then returned to topic where it turned on Harper’s Fair Elections Act.

Trudeau: Elections Canada should encourage people to vote and Harper’s changes with Fair Elections Act inhibits that #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Harper to Trudeau: How do you identify voter fraud without identifying voters? #macdebate
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Harper to Trudeau: How do you identify voter fraud without identifying voters? #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Chair to Harper: Did you plan 2 years ago to have a long election? Costliest election in history, parties get $0.50 to every dollar spent
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

And then… to Harper’s record in the senate…

Harper: My job is not to apoligize for the bad actions other people have done, but to take responsibility and hold these people accountable

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Harper: 22 senate vacancies for a longer period will raise questions on what role senate should have. #macdebate
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Harper: Constitution reforms not priority. If provinces want it fixed, let’s go, else abolish. #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Mulcair: Wants to bring in Proportional Representation system and abolish senate #macdebate
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Mulcair: Wants to bring in Proportional Representation system and abolish senate #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Mulcair: Harper promised not to appoint senators, appointed 59 Trudeau: Harper broke promise on first day in office, 58x after #macdebate
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Trudeau: Senate reform can be done without reforming constitution with accountable policies #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Harper admitted to telling senators how to vote.

May: Harper’s use of senate unconstitutional, and telling senate to shoot down environmental bill… Mulcair: Harper admits to it #macdebate
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Harper: We simply asked senators to stick to their principles – with relation to env bill passed in HoC & was shot down in senate #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Chair to Mulcair: Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard said he and no QC Premier will ever support senate abolition, will that be a problem?
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Mulcair: Let’s start the hard work of meeting with the premiers to get rid of unelected senate #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Mulcair: Only thing for senate is abolish. $1bn spent on senate on Harper’s watch. How many childcare spaces could have been made with that?
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Trudeau: We have released the senators so they can be independent. Unlike Harper who uses senators to vote, I haven’t and I can’t #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Round 5: Foreign Policy and National Security

Mulcair: #NDP would support military intervention when appropriate – notably on UN resolution. Needs clearly defined mission & exit strategy
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Trudeau: Harper said in 2003 he supported George Bush’s war in Iraq. Haven’t seen a war he doesn’t like. #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Harper: ISIS singled out Canadians by name and shown the capability to carry out attacks in countries like ours. Foolish not to fight them
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Trudeau: #LPC agrees with mission against ISIS, against bombing mission – doesn’t work. Allies & Cdns expect us to be thoughtful #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Harper: Our ISIS mission is what allies think we should be doing. #macdebate
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

May: We are doing what ISIS wants when we bomb, we are helping them recruit. #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

The topic then turned to C51.

Trudeau: Harper doesn’t think we need to do more on protecting freedom, Mulcair doesn’t think we need to do more on security #macdebate #c51
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Trudeau: Narrowing and specifying definitions, new sunset clauses, successfully amended #C51, Harper and Mulcair want to play fear games

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Harper: Security and Freedom go hand in hand and the international jihadist movement is a serious threat. #macdebate
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Harper: Parliamentary oversight is for laws. Agency oversight should be done by experts and judges. May: There is no oversight at all on C51

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

May: Britain thinks Canada’s strategy is a tragedy waiting to happen #macdebate #c51
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Mulcair: Former PMs, Supreme Court judges concur #c51 is a threat to the Charter of Freedoms. #NDP will repeal C51 #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

“This C-51 terrorism bill makes us less safe,” says May #elxn42 #cdnpoli http://t.co/VRTRJ7oD7z pic.twitter.com/XvAjNHlTI5
— CBC Politics (@CBCPolitics) August 7, 2015

Harper: #NDP mantra the same: always opposed to security legislation. Against preventing terrorist attacks and sharing info #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

On #C51: Harper: Keep as it. Trudeau: Amend it. Mulcair, May: Repeal it. #macdebate
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

May: Can and have stopped terrorist attacks without #C51. C51 just creates secret police. Must repeal it. #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Chair to Trudeau: Are you concerned that #LPC members cut up their cards on your stance on #C51? Trudeau: No, we need to talk more about it
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Harper: Important measures in C51 to breaking plots – thank law enforcement agencies for working closer with at risk communities #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Mulcair to Harper: Our reputation has taken a hit. We were thrown out of the security council by democratic countries. #macdebate
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Mulcair: Harper made us weaker and less respected. Harper: Canada is the most admired country in the world, we do what’s right. #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Mulcair: Balanced approach necessary for Israel-Palestine conflict. #macdebate
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Trudeau: We need to fix broken relationship with United States as well #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Round 6: Closing Remarks

Conservative Leader Stephen Harper

Harper: Best economic growth, job creation, middle class income. We have balanced budget and money for programs that matter #macdebate
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Harper: Opponents want to take away income splitting, TFSA, Child Tax Benefit. They plan to raise taxes, have perminant deficits & add debt

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair

Mulcair: 4 more years of Harper or change. Harper has worst job record since 2nd world war. Incomes flat lining and slumping economic growth
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Mulcair: Invest in local infrastructure and help small businesses. I have the experience to replace Harper and plan to repair his damage

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May

May: Appreciate the ability to talk to Canadians and have debate. Would like to have more debates to talk about more issues to discuss.
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

May: Get to know the Green party, we’re not a one issue nor a one person party. We want a parliament with more civility and respect

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau

Trudeau: Harper spent millions on attack ads trying to convince you I’m not ready, they pose question: how can you decide who’s ready?
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Trudeau: Ask why they want the job. I’m a 43 yr father who wants to leave the best country behind for my kids. #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Trudeau: To lead this country you need to love this country #macdebate #elxn42
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Trudeau: You need to love this country more than you want power #macdebate #elxn42

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Trudeau: Country must be strong not in spite of differences, but because of them. #macdebate
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Reactions

Trudeau’s closing remarks leave goosebumps.. long time since a politician in Canada managed to do that… #cdnpoli #macdebate

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

#macdebate is over. May & Trudeau appear to be the winners. Mulcair had his moments, fumbled closing remarks. Harper seemed nervous. #elxn42
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

#macdebate Harper seemed to have a hard time having an honest debate and strikingly seemed to have lost confidence in himself #elxn42

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

#macdebate Mulcair got Harper to admit we’re in recession but somehow Harper kept saying we have the strongest economy in the G7… #elxn42
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

#macdebate Note how Harper and Mulcair read their closing remarks but May and Trudeau spoke directly to the camera #elxn42

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

Over to you

#macdebate is over: What did you take from this debate? #elxn42
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

#macdebate is over: What was your defining moment? #elxn42

— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015

#macdebate is over: Who do you think won and will it change anything? #elxn42
— TCPS (@CPoliticalScene) August 7, 2015