(OTTAWA) -Following the successful televised French language debate in Montreal last week, viewed by millions of Quebecers, the Green Party of Canada calls on the National Television broadcasters (CBC, CTV, Global) to invite Bloc Québécois leader, Gilles Duceppe, to participate in a nationally Televised English Language debate.
“We believe that Bloc leader Gilles Duceppe should have been invited from the very beginning in the interest of democracy,” stated Julian Morelli, Director of Communications for the Green Party of Canada. Elizabeth May has said this from the beginning and continues to believe that Mr. Duceppe should be invited to the debate. Having Mr. Duceppe at the debate will provide English and French speaking Canadians a chance to hear his position. Any party with MPs elected under their own party banner has a right to be in debates.
“We call on Thomas Mulcair, Stephen Harper, and Justin Trudeau to support this change to the National Televised debate, which could be viewed by over 10 million Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast. Ultimately, the winner in having a Nationally Televised English Language debate are the millions of Canadians who, so far, have been denied a chance to hear from all the leaders. If the Prime Minster chooses not to come, we have been assured that the broadcasters will go ahead without him, so long as Thomas Mulcair and Justin Trudeau agree to participate.
“Not having a National English debate is a gross exception to the traditions of our democracy and the need for Canadians to hear the proposals of every party."
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For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Julian Morelli
Director of Communications
Green Party of Canada
cell: (613) 614 4916
office: (613) 562 4916 (224)
julian.morelli@greenparty.ca
Or
Kirsten Strom
Executive Assistant to Director of Communications
t: 613.562.4916 (200)
Toll Free 1.866.868.3447
kirsten.strom@greenparty.ca