National debates

Last week, EKOS released a survey that says that 81% of Canadians want Elizabeth May in the nationally televised debates.

Well, she is, but only in some.  She has been invited, and has accepted, to participate in the debates hosted by the “broadcast consortium” – CBC, CTV and Global, that has organised all previous debates.  However, while all the other national party leaders have accepted their invitation, the conservatives have not.  Unless things change, our national debates will be conducted without Stephen Harper.

Moreover, this year there are several alternative proposals for national debates.  Macleans has proposed a web-based debate, and TVA has proposed a separate broadcast French debate.  CARP (Canadian Association of Retired Persons) has offered a forum and so has Peter Munk.  So far, except for CARP, the Green Party has not been invited to participate.

These proposals all follow a restricted format, with debates between some but not all of the leaders.  They are all interesting, and incorporate new media channels.  Broadcast on cable or the internet, they may reach an audience not otherwise reached by the mainstream TV media.

But not necessarily larger and unlike the consortium option these alternatives fragment  the audience, rather than allowing all Canadians to see the same debate.

What, are the major leaders afraid of?  And I include here both the NDP and the Liberals.  The obvious answer, based on their experience in the house, is that they do not want to debate with Elizabeth May.  She has established a remarkable record having been named over several years best orator, and best parliamentarian by her peers in the House.  Her knowledge and skills in debate are formidable.

And, as the EKOS poll showed, Canadians overwhelmingly agree that Elizabeth should be in the debates.  In a democracy, in our democracy, in which majority rules, it should be clear that she would be included.

It can be argued that the Green Party is not a recognised party in the house, despite having 2 sitting members.  Official party status is only granted when a party has 12 or more seats.

In fact we have more seats than the Bloc, reduced to a rump of one.  Yet they are included in the Quebec debates, and we are not.

The Green Party will be running candidates in all ridings, as we have in each of the last 3 elections.  We expect to be the kingmaker in the next parliament confidently expecting to win at least 10 seats.  The Greens will probably do this without being present in the major debates, we are already polling that well.  But evidently what a threat we will be throughout the country, when we are included in all the national debates!

That’s the threat that most scares the mainline parties.  Their hold on power, on the status quo, is most threatened by Elizabeth’s inclusion.  Yet that is precisely what democracy is about:  All of us are entitled to a voice in the affairs of the nation.  And may the most persuasive win the day.  Denying Elizabeth May’s participation in the debates is anti-democratic.

I think they will change their minds.  An empty seat at a debate is not good optics for the ruling party.  The overwhelming support of Canadians, even among conservative voters, says they will.