There were several heated yet respectful exchanges among the four candidates for the Parti Quebecois leadership as they faced off in their second official debate on Sunday.

Taking the stage in a packed Monument-National Theatre, the four tackled thorny issues like secularism, nationalism and protection of the French language.

Martine Ouellet criticized one of the frontrunners, Alexandre Cloutier, saying he had “abdicated” on the issue of French signs. Cloutier said he would wait until Quebec was independent before proposing a law requiring signs to be in French, drawing boos from Ouellet’s supporters. Ouellet said she would use the notwithstanding clause, if necessary, to pass such a law.

In recent weeks, the race has tightened, with new polls showing Cloutier neck-and-neck with Jean-Francois Lisee. Cloutier had criticized Lisee last week after the latter claimed the former was soft on secularism and connected him to controversial imam Adil Charkaoui.

While the two did discuss secularism at the debate, the tone remained calm. Cloutier said he was committed to adopting the recommendations of the Bouchard-Taylor commission on the issue and opposed a recent bill by the ruling Liberal party.

Lisee, on the other hand, said he would support the Liberal bill, “because it’s still something.”

Cloutier did emphasize the importance of party unity.

“The last thing the sovereignist movement needs are new fault lines on secularism,” he said.

Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, the only candidate who is not a sitting MNA, made an effort to stand out by reminding the audience of his background in law. He stressed the importance of modernizing Quebec culture, including developing a provincial constitution and prioritizing the equality of men and women.

“I refuse to see the PQ die,” he said towards the end of the debate, stressing the importance of reaching young people.

The candidates did find common ground on some issues, such as reinvesting in daycare centres that had been established by the PQ in 1990. Lisee said he was in favour of possibly making such facilities free.

The candidates also blasted the Liberal government’s record on health.

“Our health system is sick and it’s the doctors who made it sick,” said Ouellet, referring Premier Philippe Couillard and Health Minister Gaetan Barrette, both of whom are physicians.4 vying for PQ leadership start debate in Montreal; last poll shows Cloutier & Lisée neck & neck @CTVMontreal pic.twitter.com/y7hFh4zgoA