OTTAWA — Liberal Leader Mark Carney lost the first French-language debate before it even started.

The Liberal Party of Canada announced its leader will not participate in the all-important French language TVA debate, raising yet another question on his ability to speak to francophones across the country and especially in Quebec.

The most-watched French-language network in Quebec organizes a parallel event to the French and English-language debates organized by the Leaders’ Debates Commission. It has become a must-see event during every election.