Canadian Green Party Leader in the Debates
So, it seems that raising a fuss, and threatening to go to court can pay results. As recounted earlier in this post, Elizabeth May, leader of the Canadian Green Party was being prevented from participating in the televised leader’s debate featuring leaders of Canadian political parties with sitting members of parliament. As of this afternoon, the broadcasters’ consortium has agreed to allow her to participate, and just as importantly, the other leaders have agreed not to boycott.
The Conservative leader (and Prime Minister) Stephen Harper agreed not to boycott once it was clear that Jack Layton, leader of the New Democratic Party, would also not boycott the debates. While there was a risk to Jack Layton, since the Green Party tends to siphon off voters that traditionally vote for the NDP, there were deep divisions within his party, as well as publicly amongst supporters that it was perhaps a bit, oh, undemocratic to prevent Elizabeth May from participating simply because she is a threat.
Here’s to raising a fuss when it’s important, regardless of where you sit on the issue.
Photo Credit: Red, Green and Blue Archives
[...] Canadian Green Party Leader in the Debates [...]
[...] participating in back to back French and English language debates (you can read coverage of the debates here). For those readers who are wondering, Canada is officially bilingual, and therefore the [...]