Canada election: rivals force Justin Trudeau on to defensive in leaders’ debate

The prime minister was under fire for his record on climate change, Indigenous affairs and economic hardship ahead of 20 September poll

Justin Trudeau has been forced to defend his government's plans for fighting climate change, Canada's fractured relationship with Indigenous peoples and a growing affordability crisis in the country as the prime minister faced off with contenders ahead of the federal election.

For two hours on Thursday evening, federal party leaders from the Liberal, Conservative, New Democratic, Green and Bloc Quebecois parties sparred in the only official English-language debate before the 20 September vote. Party leaders debated in French on Wednesday evening.