Elizabeth May Clear Winner in Maclean’s Debate

(OTTAWA) - Journalists and political pundits across Canada and around the world declared that Green Party Leader Elizabeth May was the clear winner of the Maclean’s National Leaders Debate, citing Ms. May’s extensive knowledge and ability to articulate her position on issues from the economy, to health care, the environment, and international affairs. 

“We need to build up Canada’s economy through investment. Right now, there is no investment going on and there hasn’t been investment in the last two years,” said Ms. May. “We need to make sure this economy doesn’t sputter to a halt and if we stay with Mr. Harper’s risky plans, that’s where we’ll be headed.”
 
Ms. May challenged Thomas Mulcair to clearly state his position once and for all on the Kinder Morgan pipeline. It was made clear that the NDP opposes Keystone and Enbridge, but does not oppose Energy East Pipeline and Kinder Morgan expansion.

“The Green Party opposes every single risky pipeline project to ship unprocessed bitumen,” said Ms. May. “I would like to ask Mr. Mulcair: Will you join us and help fight against the reckless Kinder Morgan tanker scheme?”
 
Ms. May went on say that Green Party MPs will work with all parties in a minority Parliament and bring back much needed civility to the House of Commons for the best interests of Canadians rather than political parties.

“Isn’t it ironic that in this section dedicated to our democratic institutions, specifically about how much heckling there is in Parliament, it is difficult to have a civil conversation. As Canadians, we can disagree without being disagreeable,” said Ms. May.
 
“Elizabeth May showed Canadians that the Green Party is clearly a multi-issue party that is committed to a Canada that works together,” said Julian Morelli, Green Party Director of Communications. “Given Ms. May’s strong performance last night on issues ranging from the economy to foreign affairs and national security, Canadians will have a hard time understanding why Elizabeth May has not been invited to the Globe and Mail, Munk, and TVA debates, and they will demand to know why.”

Mr. Morelli continued: “Canadians will also want to know why both Thomas Mulcair and Stephen Harper have so far refused to take part in the televised National Broadcasters’ debate - one that will be seen by at least 14 million Canadians from coast to coast to coast.  What are they so afraid of?”

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For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:

Kirsten Strom
Executive Assistant to Director of Communications
t: 613.562.4916 (200)
Toll free 1.866.868.3447
kirsten.strom@greenparty.ca

Or

Julian Morelli
Director of Communications
Green Party of Canada
cell: (613) 614 4916
office: (613) 562 4916 (224)
julian.morelli@greenparty.ca