10 Million Canadians denied a chance to hear Federal Leaders Debate in English…
(OTTAWA) –October 2, 2015 –After learning that Thomas Mulcair has officially refused to participate in the National Broadcasters’ Televised English Language Debate (CBC-CTV-Global), the Green Party of Canada issued the following statement.
“Today, millions of voters across the country, from British Columbia to Newfoundland, to Nunavut learned that they will be denied the opportunity to hear from party leaders after Stephen Harper and Thomas Muclair both refused to take part in the National Televised English Language Debate,” stated Julian Morelli, Director of Communications for the Green Party of Canada.
“In the 2011 election, over 11 million Canadians, young and old, watched the national televised National Televised English Language Debate. For decades, these debates have been the pivotal event in election campaigns. Over the past several weeks, we have been negotiating with all party officials to have an English debate. Unfortunately, these efforts were not successful.
“These debates would have happened whether the Prime Minster had attended or not. By not participating, Mr. Mulcair and Mr. Harper have denied millions of Canadians the chance to see the main party leaders in a Nationally Televised English debate.
“In contrast, Elizabeth May wants to engage voters, not hide from them – quite a difference in leadership styles.”
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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
- The 2015 Maclean's Debate drew an average audience of 1.5 million (Source: Maclean’s)
- The Globe and Mail Debate drew an audience of 400,000 (Source: Global News)
- Numbers were not available for the 2015 Munk Debate
*Numbers are approximate
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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