(OTTAWA) – “Despite efforts by the Greens and the major national English language television broadcasters, the NDP have once again refused to participate in the national leaders' debate. Just as in the case of the debate on women's issues, this has led to the cancellation of the debate. This is a huge blow to democracy and to Canadian voters."
“In 2011, the English language national leaders debate reached 11 million people,” said Elizabeth May. “This election, voters will not have the opportunity to be engaged and informed through a National Televised English Language Debate, due to Tom Mulcair and Stephen Harper’s refusal to participate in an integral part of the democratic process.
“Only French language viewers have seen a televised debate on the major networks. I believe that it is fair that Canadians have an equal right to see a nationally televised debate in both official languages."
“It is unconscionable that political parties, operating with no rules, would undermine and ultimately derail such an essential democratic event,” concluded May.
Federal debates are integral to the democratic process. The numbers below show the appropriate number of viewers for past federal leaders debates:
Debate Facts:
- 11 million watched the National Televised English Language Debate in 2011 (Source: Global News)
- 4 million watched the National Televised French Language Debate in 2011
- The 2015 Maclean's Debate drew an average audience of 1.5 million (Source: Maclean’s)
- The Globe and Mail Debate drew an audience of 400,000 (Source: Global News)
- Numbers were not available for the 2015 Munk Debate
*Numbers are approximate
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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