Coming so early in the official campaign, the first televised leaders’ debate may not be enough to sway voters, but it could give the four participating party leaders the momentum they need to boost their campaigns – or if they are unable to defend themselves, be enough to bring their campaigns to a stall.
Here's a look at what's at stake:
Conservative Leader Stephen Harper
As the incumbent, Stephen Harper will be working to defend his record after nine years as prime minister, while taking a few shots at his opponents. But his position means he will also be the target of most of the attacks.
His best hope, according to CTV political analyst Scott Reid, is that the debate is a dull affair, lacking in any attacks from his opponents that leave him looking befuddled.
"For incumbents, debates represent nothing but risk. They don't want it to be memorable," Reid told CTV News Channel ahead of the debate on Thursday.
What Harper would likely prefer, Reid says, is for the debate to be "immersed in a great fog of grey" from which he emerges, if not victorious, at least unharmed.
NDP Leader Tom Mulcair
In this, Mulcair's first leaders’ debate, many are wondering if his inexperience will be a factor. But CTV political analyst and Power Play host Don Martin says the NDP leader is a strong debater who can also easily move off-script if needed.
"He thinks very quickly on his feet," Martin told CTV News Channel. "He does tend to go on the attack spontaneously. He listens to answers and sees weaknesses very quickly."
Harper likely sees Mulcair as his strongest challenger, Martin said, suggesting the CPC leader has probably been preparing to spend about 80 per cent of his time fending off attacks from Mulcair, while unleashing a few jabs against the NDP leader of his own.
Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau
This is also Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau's first debate, with most analysts saying he has the most to lose. The Liberal leader has been in politics for only seven years – a neophyte compared to the 20 years of political experience that both Mulcair and Harper bring to the table.
Martin says Trudeau's biggest challenge will be to prove that he is ready to play in the political “big leagues."
"He has to stand up and prove that he belongs in this fight club. He has to put on a pretty good show," Martin said.
Scott Reid says Trudeau has to do more than just hold his own; he needs to get in some clear body shots against his opponents.
"I think he's got to come out like a buzzing bees' nest. He's got to sting everybody who comes near him," Reid said.
Trudeau had a strong, energetic campaign launch, but the polls suggest he's faltering in third place. Reid says Trudeau needs to re-invigorate that initial energy and translate it into this debate.
"I think this is a good opportunity for Trudeau to show he is passionate, that's he's excited, that he cares about this election," Reid said.
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May
Elizabeth May has some debate experience, after facing Harper in the 2008 election debates. Her goal in this debate will be to swing enough voters to the Green Party so it can win enough seats in Parliament to hold sway in the event of a minority government.
While it's unlikely the other opponents will place much of their focus on taking down the Green Party leader, May has shown herself to be a passionate speaker. Martin says May can be unpredictable, and has been known to "pull out a zinger or two here and there" against her opponents.
