Canada’s Green Party was last-minute removed from the country’s two election debates, just hours before leaders were set to square off in Montreal, amid concerns over a clash with an upcoming hockey game.
The Canadian Green party has been removed from the country’s two election debates, just hours before leaders are set to square off in Montreal. The decision follows a last-minute shift in the debate timing due to concerns about a clash with an upcoming ‘Montreal Canadiens ice hockey game’.
The Green Party is a global network of environmentalist and left-wing political parties.
Founded in the late 1970s, its main goal is to promote eco-friendly policies and reduce humanity's ecological footprint.
The party focuses on issues like climate change, renewable energy, sustainable development, and social justice.
With a presence in over 40 countries, the Green Party has become a significant force in international politics.
The Commission’s Decision
The independent leaders’ debates commission announced that it had revoked the Green party’s inclusion from both the French and English debates, citing concerns that the party’s actions would ‘undermine the integrity of the debates and the interests of the voting public.’ The commission stated that the intentional reduction in the number of candidates running for strategic reasons was inconsistent with its interpretation of party viability.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the only two federal debates, a party must meet two of three criteria: it must be running candidates in at least 90% of Canada’s 343 ridings 28 days before the general election, poll above 4%, or have a sitting member of parliament. Despite initially indicating they would run a full slate, the Greens eventually only nominated 232 candidates.
Reaction from Party Leaders
Jonathan Pedneault, co-leader of the Green party, accused the commission of trying to ‘silence’ the party and described the last-minute change as ‘unjust and baseless.’ Elizabeth May, also a co-leader, expressed similar sentiments, stating that the decision was an attempt to undermine the integrity of the debates.
Precedent for Debate Timing Changes
Changing the debate timing due to external events is not unprecedented. In 2011, the then Bloc Québécois leader, ‘Gilles Duceppe’, requested a shift in the French-language debate schedule to avoid conflict with a key playoff showdown between the Canadiens and the Boston Bruins. The commission agreed to the request at the time.
Implications for Conservative Party
The debates are seen as a last-ditch attempt by the Conservatives to regain momentum, which has been dramatically reversed following the ‘Trump effect.’ With the Liberal party polling ahead of rival Conservatives, capturing a majority government is within reach.
- theguardian.com | Canada’s Green party removed at last minute from election debates
