Ok, so it's been a while since my last post. And yes, I normally don't get up on my soapbox in relation to politics. But I think this is an issue that needs some attention. More accurately some reason.
The issue: Elizabeth May, leader of the Green Party of Canada, has not been invited to the televised leadership debates that will happen as a result of the upcoming election.
The media consortium (CBC, Radio-Canada, CTV, Global and TVA) that host the debate based this decision on the fact that the Green party doesn't hold a single seat in the House of Commons.
However, in the 2008 election the same thing was true of the Green Party then. When the Canadian public spoke up to say the Green Party should be included, Prime Minister Stephen Harper threatened to not attend the debate. Eventually the media consortium, and Stephen Harper, succumed to public pressure and Elizabeth May was permitted to attend.
By the end of the debate she was the obvious winner. She gave strong solid answers to the questions posed while poking holes in the other leaders credibility and policies.
In an effort of full disclosure I would describe myself as holding conservative right-wing ideals. That being said, I'm often embarrassed by the actions of our Conservative Prime Minister. He wants all the power and none of the accountability.
Personally, I think Elizabeth May should be included in the national leadership debates. She has a solid platform, answers direct questions with direct answers, and keeps the other leaders on their toes. Put all that aside though. This is a leadership debate for national parties. The criteria for admittance should be that you are the leader of a national party that has at least 1 seat in the House of Commons or has enough registered candidates to form a government if elected.
That's my 2 cents (approximately 3 cents US) *steps down from soapbox*
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