This election, there has been a lot of confusion around the leaders’ debates.
What happened to the national debate hosted by CBC, Global, and CTV that is watched by over ten million Canadians?
Why is there going to be a nationally televised debate in French, but not in English?
Who is refusing to show-up to debates, who is being excluded, and why?
With all the confusion, we thought we would fill you in on the latest:
Maclean’s Debate – The Maclean’s Debate already happened, in early August, and could be the only English language debate in which all four major party leaders will participate.
- What People Are Saying:
“Elizabeth May added fresh perspectives and proved she belongs in these debates. There is no reason to exclude her.”
Andrew Coyne, National Post - Audience: An average of 1.4 million Canadians watched the debate. That's less than 20% of the audience of the nationally televised debate in 2011.
Up For Debate – A group of over 175 organizations had planned to host a debate on women’s issues, but the event was cancelled after NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair withdrew, and Stephen Harper declined his invitation.
- What People Are Saying:
“The issues the group wanted to focus on in the debate are hardly marginal: violence against women, pay inequality, and gender parity in leadership. Nor are women marginal in this election, though they might be on the debate stage when [Elizabeth] May isn’t invited to participate.”
Rachel Giese, Chatelaine - Audience: Zero. Thanks to the decision of Thomas Mulcair and Stephen Harper to skip this event, there will be no formal debate about women’s issues during the 2015 election.
CBC, CTV, and Global Debate – Watched by over 10 million Canadians during the 2011 election, this debate is by far the most watched event of every Canadian election. The debate for 2015 is likely to be cancelled after NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair withdrew and Stephen Harper declined his invitation.
- What People Are Saying:
“...the NDP has likely driven the final nail in the coffin of the traditional debates”
Joan Bryden, The Canadian Press - Audience: Zero. That is 10 million fewer Canadians than watched the leaders’ debate in 2011.
Munk Election Debate – A discussion on foreign affairs hosted by the Toronto based Munk Debates forum. As it currently stands, Elizabeth May has not been invited.
- What People Are Saying: Not much, it looks like the viewing audience is going to be exceptionally low for this debate.
- Audience: You...if you live in Toronto and have $25–$90 to spend on a ticket.
Globe and Mail Debate – The Globe and Mail debate on the economy –like the Munk Debate– was hand-picked by Stephen Harper. As it currently stands, Elizabeth May has not been invited.
- What People Are Saying: Again, not much, but Stephen Harper is probably pretty happy about that.
- Audience: Looks like it is going to be a tiny audience as well...are you seeing the theme? Seriously though, even the Globe and Mail said their debate wasn’t “likely to attract anywhere near what the large broadcasters typically capture.”