Leaders' debate expected to focus on voters' top priorities: weather, hockey

MONTREAL -- Tonight's debate between the leaders of Québec's four main political parties is expected to focus on the two issues that voters have indicated is foremost in their minds: when spring will start, and who the Canadiens will face in the first round of the playoffs.

Pauline Marois and Francoise David have both called upon the federal government to give up more powers from Environment Canada to the provinces in determining when spring will arrive.  Liberal leader Philippe Couillard was recently on the defensive when he suggested that negotiating a constitutional change over the weather would be difficult, especially as Ontario currently controls the groundhog that predicts spring in Canada.

The Canadiens' chances in the playoffs are expected to dominate much of the discussion since polls identified this issue as voters' top priority.  Couillard and Legault have had difficulty distinguishing their positions as they both believe that Montreal will face Toronto, while Marois favours Tampa Bay.  Francoise David, who does not follow hockey, is expected to spend this part of the debate texting.