Mr. Mulcair,
Canadians need a fair, open and well broadcasted debate with all leaders present. Many Canadians wait to decide who to vote for based on their opinions after watching the debates held near the election. 10 million viewers watched the English debate and 4 million people watched the French debate during the run up to the 2011 election. However, you have agreed to join Mr. Harper in what a great deal of people believe are partisan debates where the Prime Minister has picked the topics, location and formats. Many people believe the ulterior motive is also to distort quotes from leaders in these debates for another endless round of attack ads.
Because you have agreed to join these debates, there is no incentive for Mr. Harper to agree to the traditionally led Consortium debate that leaders have taken part in for decades.
Aside from the perceived advantage these debates give Mr. Harper, there are other reasons these private debates are unfair to a large number of voters.
*Many Canadians live in rural areas and do not have access to the Internet or private cable channels.
*Many Canadians are not technically savvy enough to find debates on the Internet or websites that may be streaming live from.
*Many Canadians also want to see all parties presentwhich would include the NDP, LPC, CPC, the Green Party and the BQ.
We understand you are a tough debater. We understand you relish showing your skills and taking on Mr. Harper. Please give all Canadians the chance to see you and all leaders, in a fair bipartisan debate. Boycott Mr. Harper's "boutique" debates and join the other leaders at Consortium debates with or without Mr. Harper. Send Mr. Harper the message that he does not make all of the rules! Show us you care about all Canadians having access to fair, well broadcasted debates.
Updates
May 22, 2015
I was reading through the messages you all have been sending and it is honestly wild how many people feel like they are being totally shut out of this entire process by these debates being hidden away on obscure channels. I am trying to get a response from the office about why these private arrangements were prioritized over the public ones but so far there is just complete radio silence which is pretty frustrating because people deserve real answers instead of just being ignored.
May 22, 2015
I really thought this might just float by unnoticed but seeing the momentum build makes me realize how many people are actually bothered by this whole debate situation. It is honestly strange to see all these names appearing on the screen while I am sitting here drinking coffee and thinking about how much influence we actually have if we just keep pushing on this.
28 Comments
Please do not take part in the debate that Harper wants but the Consortium debate with the other leaders. And please don't use the Consortium debate to tear apart the other leaders but to present your platform in a respectful way. Don't play into Harper's hand in this. Show your true stuff by giving Canadians a fair view of the debate.
I am one of many that live in a rural community and unable to receive "Power and Politics", legislature debates etc...etc...A debate would be keenly observed in the Northern latitudes if it were available,
as someone who has over the air TV, I would most likely be unable to listen in. Also, I think it sets a dangerous precedent. The organization of these debates should be set by a nonpartisan group. Finally, were Harper not have any opposition at "his" debates, he'd look pretty arrogant and foolish.
Splitting the vote does not do the NDP or the Libs any good. Boutique debates serves only the CONs. Please re-think your position.
The Canadian taxpayer pays $8-900,000 to CBC each year. CBC should therefore run a English & French debate, Harper not withstanding!
Letting Harper set the agenda and lead everyone by the nose does not show leadership.
Do not allow Harper to continue to change the rules that are only for the purpose of weakening our democracy and tipping the scales in his favour.
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Mr. Mulcair,
Canadians need a fair, open and well broadcasted debate with all leaders present. Many Canadians wait to decide who to vote for based on their opinions after watching the debates held near the election. 10 million viewers watched the English debate and 4 million people watched the French debate during the run up to the 2011 election. However, you have agreed to join Mr. Harper in what a great deal of people believe are partisan debates where the Prime Minister has picked the topics, location and formats. Many people believe the ulterior motive is also to distort quotes from leaders in these debates for another endless round of attack ads.
Because you have agreed to join these debates, there is no incentive for Mr. Harper to agree to the traditionally led Consortium debate that leaders have taken part in for decades.
Aside from the perceived advantage these debates give Mr. Harper, there are other reasons these private debates are unfair to a large number of voters.
*Many Canadians live in rural areas and do not have access to the Internet or private cable channels.
*Many Canadians are not technically savvy enough to find debates on the Internet or websites that may be streaming live from.
*Many Canadians also want to see all parties presentwhich would include the NDP, LPC, CPC, the Green Party and the BQ.
We understand you are a tough debater. We understand you relish showing your skills and taking on Mr. Harper. Please give all Canadians the chance to see you and all leaders, in a fair bipartisan debate. Boycott Mr. Harper's "boutique" debates and join the other leaders at Consortium debates with or without Mr. Harper. Send Mr. Harper the message that he does not make all of the rules! Show us you care about all Canadians having access to fair, well broadcasted debates.
Updates
May 22, 2015
I was reading through the messages you all have been sending and it is honestly wild how many people feel like they are being totally shut out of this entire process by these debates being hidden away on obscure channels. I am trying to get a response from the office about why these private arrangements were prioritized over the public ones but so far there is just complete radio silence which is pretty frustrating because people deserve real answers instead of just being ignored.
May 22, 2015
I really thought this might just float by unnoticed but seeing the momentum build makes me realize how many people are actually bothered by this whole debate situation. It is honestly strange to see all these names appearing on the screen while I am sitting here drinking coffee and thinking about how much influence we actually have if we just keep pushing on this.
28 Comments
I know many older people that don't have internet. Not fair to leave them out....unless you don't want informed Canadians.
Please do not take part in the debate that Harper wants but the Consortium debate with the other leaders. And please don't use the Consortium debate to tear apart the other leaders but to present your platform in a respectful way. Don't play into Harper's hand in this. Show your true stuff by giving Canadians a fair view of the debate.
I am one of many that live in a rural community and unable to receive "Power and Politics", legislature debates etc...etc...A debate would be keenly observed in the Northern latitudes if it were available,
as someone who has over the air TV, I would most likely be unable to listen in. Also, I think it sets a dangerous precedent. The organization of these debates should be set by a nonpartisan group. Finally, were Harper not have any opposition at "his" debates, he'd look pretty arrogant and foolish.
Splitting the vote does not do the NDP or the Libs any good. Boutique debates serves only the CONs. Please re-think your position.
The Canadian taxpayer pays $8-900,000 to CBC each year. CBC should therefore run a English & French debate, Harper not withstanding!
Letting Harper set the agenda and lead everyone by the nose does not show leadership.
Do not allow Harper to continue to change the rules that are only for the purpose of weakening our democracy and tipping the scales in his favour.
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I know many older people that don't have internet. Not fair to leave them out....unless you don't want informed Canadians.