Tonight Should Have Been Debate Night: “Why did Harper and Mulcair both Say No?”

Canadians would have had a chance to hear the leaders debate the TPP…

(OTTAWA) – This evening, the National Televised English language leaders’ debate would have been viewed by over 11 million Canadians. But with Stephen Harper and Tom Mulcair’s unfortunate decision to walk away from this essential component of our democracy, Canadians will be denied the chance to compare party positions, just 11 days before voting day.

“It is a grave affront to democracy that we don’t have an English broadcast debate and Canadians should be outraged that the Prime Minister has refused to face over millions of  Canadians unless it suits him,” said Julian Morelli, Communication Director for the Green Party of Canada. "That is not a sign of a 'leader.'"

“Francophones in Canada have had a chance to see the leaders’ debate live on television but what about the rest of the country? Everyone from Atlantic Canadians to British Columbians should have a chance to hear each leader explain their position on pipelines, climate change, TPP, the list goes on. Why did Harper and Mulcair show up for Quebec, but not for B.C.? It’s a question that still has not been answered except in simplistic PMO speaking points by Conservative spokespersons,” added Morelli. 

“The debate would have been the perfect opportunity to hold Harper accountable - especially for his backroom TPP deal – the details of which Canadians won't have the chance to see for themselves before the election. Instead, we're meant to take Stephen Harper at his word that TPP is a good deal for industry and consumers," concluded Morelli.

Federal debates are integral to the democratic process. The numbers below show the approximate 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

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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