Justin Trudeau skipped the first debate of the federal election campaign to hold a rally in Edmonton, but an empty podium stood in for the Liberal leader.

Trudeau was the primary target of opposition leaders Thursday night, but his rivals still managed to bloody one another in the process.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said New Democrats and Greens have a lot in common, but said they disagree on putting Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer in the prime minister’s seat.

May called the statement absurd.

On Friday Trudeau is making two stops in Quebec, before attending a rally in his hometown.

May is heading west for an event in B.C., while Singh and Scheer will be sticking around the Greater Toronto Area.

Canada votes October 21st.

(Files from C.P)