Quebec party leaders are set to spar in their first debate this evening

Quebec party leaders are preparing to face off Tuesday night in the first major debate of the provincial election campaign, while some voters say they are still weighing their options less than three weeks before the Oct. 5 vote.

The TVA debate is scheduled for 8 p.m. and will feature all five party leaders.

For some voters, the debate could help shape their decision.

“I think there are a lot of new party leaders and a lot of differentiated parties, and I think the debate will be very important for the Quebec population to decide who to vote for next,” said Montrealer Sophie Roy.

Others say they have yet to make up their minds.

“I will look into it. I have some time and I guess I will be voting, but I don’t have an opinion yet,” said Tim Shklyarov.

For some, however, what matters most will be how the leaders make their case.

“It depends on what they’re going to talk about and how they’re going to talk about it,” said Bassel Bechara.

Political analyst Daniel Tran says the debate gives Quebecers an opportunity to compare the leaders and their platforms, particularly as several debates are scheduled during the campaign.

“This is the chance for Quebecers to really listen to the leaders and hear what they have to offer,” Tran said.

The TVA debate will focus on three main themes: the economy, taxes and public services, and the future of Quebec. On the economy, tariffs, affordability and the cost of living are expected to be key issues.

Tran says the Parti Québécois, which is leading in the polls, could face attacks from the other parties, while smaller parties will need to distinguish themselves.

“For the Parti Québécois, what I’m expecting is for the other parties to really start attacking them since they’re the front-runner,” Tran said.

He says parties looking to gain ground will need to be clear about what they are offering voters. “What the other parties really need to do to stand out is be bold in their messages and be clear and concrete about what they’re promising Quebecers,” he said.

Taxes and public services will also be under scrutiny, with parties pitching different approaches to government spending and efficiency.

Tran says voters will be watching to see how leaders plan to reduce costs or restructure government without affecting services.

The final theme, the future of Quebec, could put sovereignty back at the centre of the campaign.

Tran says parties are likely to approach the issue differently depending on how it benefits their campaigns.

“What I’m expecting from the Liberal Party of Quebec is for them to present it almost as a scarecrow, to communicate to people that the risk is real,” he said.

For the Parti Québécois, he says, putting sovereignty on the table allows the party to control more of the narrative around its plans for a referendum. Tran also says a minority government could make a referendum more difficult to pursue because the governing party would need support from another party.

Quebec voters go to the polls Oct. 5.

–With files from The Canadian Press