The French-language election debate has been rescheduled to start at 6 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, two hours earlier than originally planned, in order to avoid a conflict with an important Montreal Canadiens game. This alteration was made to prevent the NHL playoff race from distracting viewers from the debate, which is critical for Quebec's democratic process. The Canadiens are preparing for a potentially pivotal game against the Carolina Hurricanes, with playoff implications on the line, and could secure a playoff spot before even stepping onto the ice if the Columbus Blue Jackets lose their game tonight.

Concerns were voiced by party leaders, including Jagmeet Singh of the NDP and Yves-François Blanchet of the Bloc Québécois, highlighting the disconnect between political scheduling and public interests. The decision to avoid conflicting with the Canadiens, a team with a storied history and a passionate fan base, reflects an understanding of the cultural significance of hockey in Montreal.