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Green Party Leader Elizabeth May discusses the decision to leave her out of the debates while appearing on Mike Duffy Live in Ottawa on Monday, Sept. 8, 2008.
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Elizabeth May excluded from television debates
Updated Mon. Sep. 8 2008 9:12 PM ET
The Canadian Press
OTTAWA -- Green party Leader Elizabeth May has been shut out of the televised election debates after every major party but the Liberals shunned her inclusion.
TV network officials hinted that one or more of the other party leaders would have pulled out of the showcase election event, set for Ottawa on Oct. 1 and 2, if May had participated.
NDP campaign spokesman Brad Lavigne confirmed that Leader Jack Layton had refused to attend with May present.
All signs pointed to the Conservatives as being the other deal breaker.
"We believe that as someone who's endorsed (Liberal Leader) Stephane Dion to be the prime minister of Canada, she has endorsed Liberal candidates throughout the country," Lavigne said.
"We said that if the Liberals were going to have two representatives, we would not accept the invitation."
Dion said he welcomed May, the only woman leading a federal party in the election, to join the debates.
Jason MacDonald, a spokesman for the network consortium, said the other three parties all opposed her participation "and it became clear that if the Green party were included, there would be no leaders' debates.
"In the interest of Canadians, the consortium has determined that it is better to broadcast the debates with the four major party leaders, rather than not at all."
The nationally televised event is run by Canada's major TV networks through an umbrella group that decides who takes part. The consortium includes CBC, Radio Canada, CTV, Global and TVA.
Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe stressed that he never threatened to cancel, although he'd prefer the debate be restricted to leaders of the four major parties in Parliament.
But Prime Minister Stephen Harper, like the NDP, said Monday that May's inclusion would in essence allow a second Liberal candidate.
He said May's platform is similar to Dion's and that she will ultimately endorse the Liberals.
"Elizabeth May is not an opponent of Stephane Dion," Harper said at a campaign event in Richmond, B.C.
"She is his candidate in (the Nova Scotia riding of) Central Nova, and I think it would be fundamentally unfair to have two candidates who are essentially running on the same platform in the debate."
Dion raised eyebrows by opting not to run a Liberal candidate against May. She in turn has upset some Greens by heaping praise on Dion's environmental record and touting him as a better prime minister than Harper.
Still, she insists she is a party leader in her own right and dismissed any notion that she will endorse the Liberals as "nonsense."
May threatened to go to court over Monday's decision, accusing the TV networks of "old boy" tactics as she squarely blamed Harper for her exclusion.
"I think Mr. Harper's role was determinative," she said in an interview. "He was the only one making the (public) case that I was not allowed to participate.
"In the interest of fairness ... and a full and fair election, the Green party will seek the guidance of the Federal Court in terms of ... how manipulated the public airwaves can be by the objection of a prime minister who doesn't want to face me in the debate."
Harper had made no further comment on the matter by Monday evening.
In the past, the courts and federal radio-television regulator have washed their hands of the matter, saying it's up to the broadcasters to decide who can participate in an event that can change the course of election campaigns.
The Green leader has stepped up pressure on the networks ever since an Independent MP joined the party, giving the Greens a temporary toehold in the House of Commons.
"I believe the consortium has been overly influenced by hints, and threats without actually having public statements on the record from any national party political leader that they would actually refuse to participate in the debates if I was included," May said.
Layton was hustled away by handlers when reporters tried to clarify if he had said he would pull out.
"I'm looking forward to debating the prime minister," was his only comment.
Before Lavigne spoke, another NDP official speaking off record said that a negotiator for Layton had told network organizers that he would have to "reconsider" his participation but had not threatened to boycott.
Dion told a campaign rally in his Montreal riding of Saint-Laurent on Monday night that May should have been included.
"It's about fairness. Elizabeth May should have been part of the debate. Period."
Most Canadians will find her exclusion "deeply anti-democratic, whether they plan to vote Green or not," May fumed. Especially galling, she said, is the fact Duceppe is allowed in even though voters outside Quebec can't vote for his party.
"They can vote for the Green party in all 306 ridings across Canada. They want to know where we stand."
She says Harper's bid to freeze her out has more to do with concern that the Greens could eat into Conservative support.
It's also the latest in a string of actions that suggest Harper's distaste for women's full equality and a dislike of feminists in particular, she charged.
Pollsters have repeatedly cited as a potential weakness the Conservative failure to sway female voters.
"I think it's because (Harper) removed from the mandate of Status of Women Canada achieving equality for women," May said.
"I think it's because he cancelled universal child care when it was within our grasp. I think it's because women look at him and realize that here is someone who really does have a deep antipathy for the aspirations of many Canadian women for full equality, full participation."
Comments are now closed for this story
That's right, start name calling ... "anti-feminist."
Ms. May, when you earn the right to be on the debate, you will be. Until then, try to show a little more class when things don't go your way and stop the name calling...Going for the jugular is unacceptable on any side of an issue.
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Seeing that the networks give in to the pressure of the choosen few, I'll in turn leave my TV set off during their gab sessions.
We did not need an election but it would have been refreshing to at least see a new face and new policies.
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Unbelievable! Are they afraid of the challenge that a little known party would present?
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That's really mature of the other parties: "If you join the debate I won't."
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If Blair Wilson had joined the Marxist Leninist party, would their leader be seeking inclusion in the debates? I think not. The Greens should wait until an M.P. is elected into the house before participating in the debates.
I don't see how the fact that Mr. Harper is not supporting the Greens' participation in the debates is in any way anti- feminist. I am sure he would have the same view if Jim Harris was still leader of the Greens.
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SHAME!!!
Shame on the CBC and CTV for not having the courage to do the painfully obvious right thing!
Shame on Stephen Harper for refusing to participate in and respect the fundamentals of our democracy!
Shame on Gilles Duceppe whose party was born from a disenfranchised Tory who also sat as an independent and was then allowed to participate in the televised debates as the first yet to be elected Bloc candidate!
And SHAME, SHAME, SHAME, on Jack Layton whose party touts democracy, but hypocritically acts in a partisan way to hide Green voices, even to the detriment of NDP causes.
The only leader with charisma and a real vision for Canada has just been silenced… Today is a sad day for democracy.
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Anti-feminist???
What in the world does this have to do with feminism? If she wants to be taken seriously, she can't simply default to these types of comments.
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While I don't see myself voting for the Green Party, I would like to see them represented in the debate. The environment is as important an issue as any and they may have some interesting ideas. It should not be for Stephen Harper or any party leader to decide who should participate based on his understanding of their platform. I believe the statistics show that the Green Party has a small but significant following in Canada and they deserve to be represented and heard by Canadians. I don't believe every "Tom, Dick and Harry" deserves a place in the debate but I think the Green Party has more credibility now than in the past.
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Good to hear! Although the Green have one MP, he didn't get elected as a Green.
In 1993, both the Bloc and Reform had at least one MP elected under their party banner.
May would have been a big help for Dion in the English debate being as she's the only one of the two that can speak the language.
Conservative Majority Baby!
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It is an outrage that Ms. May has been excluded from the debates. This is denying Canadians the right to hear her debate and defend her point of view, a right every citizen should have in a democracy. The Prime Minister may have calcualted that he has less to lose in denying Ms. May participation in the debate than he he would if she particiapted. I demand that CTV not be bullied by the dissenting leaders and work to include Ms. May in the debate. If any of the leaders threaten to boycott the debate because of Ms. May it will speak to their lack of character and integrity.
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| Scott Moffatt - Strathclair, MB |
I cannot believe that the other parties (read Harper Conservatives) would prevent the voice of millions of Green Party supporters from being heard. I've never been more disgusted with Canadian 'democracy' in my life. That's saying a lot.
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There are too many parties already. No wonder there isn't a majority government.
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This is a ridiculous decision by the networks.
It is important that we hear from all parties. And while I've never actively supported (or voted for) the Green Party, I do want to hear what they have to say. It may not change how I vote but if nothing else it will allow Canadians to hear the real options we have on October 14th.
Just knowing Ms. May's views and hopes for our country will further educate us as a nation.
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I'm not a fan of Elizabeth May but doesn't a vibrant democracy welcome the views of all legitimate political parties? As it now stands May has made the other parties look bad without lifting a finger.
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| A Real IT Manager from Calgary |
There are about 15 federal political parties in Canada. Should all of their leaders be allowed on these TV debates?
If you allow May, then you have to allow ALL of the others.
From wikipedia:
Other parties recognized by Elections Canada:
* Animal Alliance Environment Voters Party of Canada
* Canadian Action Party
* Christian Heritage Party of Canada
* Communist Party of Canada
* Communist Party of Canada (Marxist-Leninist)
* First Peoples National Party of Canada
* Libertarian Party of Canada
* Marijuana Party of Canada
* Neorhino.ca
* Newfoundland and Labrador First Party
* People's Political Power of Canada
* Progressive Canadian
* Western Block Party
* Work Less Party
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What are these parties afraid of in debating Elizabeth May and the Green Party?
What is this "consortium" doing pandering to the wishes of party heavyweights instead of representing the will of the people?
Horrible decision.
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...The Green Party is getting a lot of attention this time around. Hopefully the media will start to scrutinize their platform and candidates a tad bit more. Underneath it all they might not be the darling political party they are being portrayed as.
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I'm happy she isn't. I find that four people is already a lot for a debate and a fifth would be too much and too long. Maybe it would help and be a good idea if they actually had an elected Green member of Parliament, not one who just switched parties. He is still an independent member. Only once he is elected under the Green Party will he truly be a Green elected member of Parliament.
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Anti Feminist? Hardly, Elizabeth. Anti-Multiple Liberal candidates? Yes. Do you remember being at the National Press Gallery with Dion and saying you will be supporting him for Prime Minister? And what about running a candidate in every riding? Why not have a candidate in Mr. Dion's riding? Oh, that's right. It's because you want your party members to vote for him. It's because you are a Liberal. I'm sure you could take Mr. Dion's spot at the debate. He shouldn't even be in the leader's debate. We all know "Stephane Dion is not a Leader".
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I think it's inexcusable when a true federal party(Conservative, Liberal, Green or NDP) is excluded from debate while a regional party (Bloc Quebecois) is allowed to debate on NATIONAL television. The Bloc only have candidates in Quebec, while the Greens have candidates in every riding in Canada. The greens have more relevance to Canada as a whole than the Bloc Quebecois. The Greens have every right to be allowed to campaign and debate like every other federal party.
Give the media hell May, kicking up a fuss will put you on the map, might even win a few votes, but good luck winning any seats in this election.
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At first I thought that it would be okay until the PM responded and then I remembered the deal that the Liberals and Greens cooked up in NS whereby the Liberals would not run a candidate in May's riding. I think the PM is correct and it has nothing to do with being anti-feminist. May should realize how her deal looks. And to think that before this I was considering voting for a Green candidate. If May and Dion are not pals then they can challenge each other to a debate.
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I thought for sure Elizabeth May would be able to participate. The Green Party even has an MP now.
Isn't this a democracy?
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Why would anyone refuse to debate during an election? It reminds me of Kim Campbell when she said an election is the wrong time to discuss issues. It is too bad they didn't tell that "leader" to take his ball and go home.
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| Colin Dwyer, Kingston, ON |
I actually don't entirely blame the consortium on this, this time around. At least they asked the other parties, which shows they were certainly considering the notion. The blame mostly lies with the three parties who said May should not be allowed to participate. The Bloc should hardly be in a position to complain considering they are not in it to form the government of this country, whereas the Greens are trying. The parties who said no to May being invited are scared, plain and simple. The Greens take votes from the NDP as well as the Conservatives (and the Liberals too, I might add).
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Rubbish. I do not believe the parties would back out of a leadership debate because of May's inclusion. Harper's rationale is pathetic. It's simple: the Green Party now has representation in the House and therefore its leader should be included in the debates.
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It is outrageous that May and the Greens are being shut out of Federal debates again!!
It makes me very angry.
In all of Canada we have to accept Gilles Duceppe in the debates even though it is only Quebec that can vote for him. What on earth is wrong with including the Greens?? I CAN vote for them!
This makes it very slanted to say nothing of tainted!!
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Outside the leader & some hangers-on, do people really care? What is the actual percentage of Canadians who waste any amount of time watching this stuff?
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What? Someone has refused to participate if the Greens were included? I better have a closer look at the Greens if one of the others is afraid to debate her.
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LOL. Thank you.
Now we can have a debate with parties who have a chance to form a government or opposition. The Greens pose a risk to the stability of this country and it worries me that they would punish those who don't or can't ride their bikes to work.
I will definitely be watching the debates.
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I think Harper is right to refuse to debate May. What does she have to offer anyway?
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Unreal...Harper doesn't want anyone bringing up his environmental policies..or should I say lack of policies...
It's got to be my way or no debate....that's the real Harper!
Layton and Duceppe...who knows what is going on in their heads...
Still shaking my head...it's like the people complaining we are loosing manufacturing jobs yet they continue to buy crap from China to save a few bucks... These are the same people who don't want to implement any enviromental policy which would actually have teeth...cause they don't want to change any of their ways...Keep driving to Walmart twice a day (to purchase then return) for cheap imported products...
I still don't know who I'm voting for but I would have liked the chance to hear the Greens debate with the rest of the polical liars...
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Here we go again. Harper was not satisfied with muzzling his own MPs and keeping them from speaking to the press. He now wants the Canadian people shielded from The Green Party's views and election platform. He is like a little child who says, 'If she is going to play, I'm not'. Jack Layton talks about fairness. Where is it Jack? The Bloc are not even a National Party. What are these parties afraid of? It's a sad day for freedom of speech and for Canadian Democracy.
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What kind of democracy are we living in when the political parties have the power to dictate to television companies who can participate in general elections?
The Green Party is not a fringe party in the same sense that the Marijuana Party is.
Elizabeth May is a party leader who should be included in the debates.
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While I find their method of gaining an MP to be highly suspect, the Green Party does have an MP (for now) and May should have been invited to the debates.
That being said I have lost a lot of respect for Elizabeth May now that she has made this decision about gender. In 2006 Jim Harris (former leader of the Green Party) was also denied accessed to the debates and there was no whining about anyone being "anti-feminist".
What does the Prime Minister have to do to prove that he supports the equality of men and women?...
Even though it was the Prime Minister AND Mr. Layton that did not want May to take part, she really shot herself in the foot when she said she wants Stephane Dion to become Prime Minister.
Since when does the leader of a national party not want to run to be the leader of the government? If she hadn't participated in this joke of co-operating with the Liberals and then announced that she was trying to win, she would be in the debates.
This is not about her being a woman. It is about her having no credit when it comes to running the election.
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This is an absolute outrage. 'In the interest of Canadians'.... how is this possibly in the interest of Canadians or democracy? Seven percent of Canadians voted for the Green Party in the last federal election and those people deserve to have their leader at these debates. If Harper and the other leaders don't want to allow it then they should be sitting at home by their own choice. This is not in the best interest of Canadians or democracy. I hope that the Green Party fights this to the highest courts in this country and I hope they win at every level.
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What a weak excuse. "If May is in the debates, some of the other leaders won't come." Can you imagine one of the others e.g. Stephen Harper allowing May an hour of prime time without showing up himself? Media, you'll need to fabricate a better excuse. Where did you get this one? From FOX NEWS?
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What a weak excuse. "If May is in the debates, some of the other leaders won't come." Can you imagine one of the others e.g. Stephen Harper allowing May an hour of prime time without showing up himself? Media, you'll need to fabricate a better excuse. Where did you get this one? From FOX NEWS?
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So three leaders of the federal parties don't want Green Party Leader Elizabeth May in the debates .... I only have one question. What are you boys scared of?
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The Green Party is an offical political party according to Elections Canada and as such receives taxpayers' money (as the other four official parties do) for each vote it receives.
Since our money goes to The Green Party Elizabeth May should have a place in the leaders' debate like any of the other four parties.
If Mr. Harper is so afraid of The Green Party that he refuses to participate if Ms. May is there, then the debate should be cancelled.
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Congratulations to Canada's Network Broadcasters for giving in to unnamed politicians... Why was the leader of the Bloc Quebecois allowed to participate in such a debate when that party had no MPs elected? Because the leaders of the time had fortitude....
I will make sure my television is tuned to some other station. I call on all Canadians to boycott these biased debates...
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News reports say that three of the four major parties said they would not participate in the election debate if May was included. The Liberals have said they would welcome a debate. It is clear that the media is controlled by the government and its credibility is gone. I am dissapointed by the media and my faith in a just and democratic system is toast. This is what our great country has become. We are shut out from discussing new and progressive ideas. Great lesson for our kids.
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My personal feeling is that it would be good if Canadians were given a chance to hear from all of the recognized parties (including independents) in the country who are going to be campaigning for their seats. Perhaps not in a big debate with the primary parties but with at least a secondary televised debate featuring everybody else, that the major parties would be urged to participate in. To me, it is foolhardy of parties with such large advantages and numbers not to compete with parties that surely are not much of a threat. It speaks of fear, disrespect and ego.
The parties and their leaders should not be allowed to determine who gets to participate in the debates. Elections Canada should have a requirement that the parties cannot boycott national televised debates simply because they do not agree with the network or are unhappy with included participants, rules or the structure of the debate.
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First, CTV's reporting on this issue is extremely unfair towards Ms. May. The anti-feminist remark is, at best, out of context, and it is sickening to see how CPC supporters simply take that as a basis for attacking a solid party leader. IT Manager from Calgary is clearly misinformed when he says that the inclusion of Ms. May in the debate would lead to the inclusion of all other party leaders. For starters, the Green Party is currently polling better than the NDP. It is also a new and vibrant party that proposes a complete platform and NOT a solution to one issue as the CPC suggests. The Green Party is clearly a threat to at least three parties, whose leaders are opposed to Ms. May's inclusion. This is simply a hard hit to Canadian democracy and a shame in Canadian politics. Conservatives, NDP and the Bloc are bullies and are dragging down the integrity of open dialogue in Canada.
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Show your protest by voting for Green Party.
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Bravo to the networks! When the Green Party actually elects a member of parliament and runs on more than loving the environment, as we all do, and own up to their policies that are as right wing as the Conservatives in many ways, they can have a podium at the debate. I expect the media, seeing a story, will give Ms. May more coverage than she'd ever get for her participation in the debates. Funny how everyone in the end gets what they want!
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The deal struck by Stephane Dion and Elizabeth May not to run candidates against each other in their ridings has now come back to bite both of them in the rear end. What seemed like such a great idea at the time doesn't seem so great now does it? They both deserve it. Political rookies are showing their weaknesses. Why didn't Dion come out and say that if May wasn't included in the debates then he wouldn't participate?
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I'm very disappointed in the decision, particularly with Jack Layton's equal partnership with those who would deny the Green Party, and its leader Elizabeth May, a democratic voice. Jack had better get home and explain this to the women of Toronto-Danforth.
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Great decision and while they're at it kick the Bloc out too. The Green Party has never had anyone elected as a Green and to me they are a sorry excuse for a party with nothing more than environment policies. There is more to politics than nature.
The fact that they have about five percent of the votes is not enough, because they have no real chance of electing anyone.
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The fact that Harper is frightened of May and of The Green Party speaks volumes. I suspect he knows that he risks losing a lot of Conservative votes to the Green Party. He can't risk people finding out that the Greens are a legitimate party with a platform more in line with the old Progressive Conservative Party than the current Conservatives.
I guess I also won't bother watching the debates now either.
According to the Nanos site, five and a half percent of Canadians cast their vote for the Green Party in 2006. That's a whole lot of Canadians having their views shut out of the national spotlight. Outrageous. If the networks had a collective spine they'd invite her anyhow. Let's watch and see who actually doesn't show up.
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OK folks! As I understand the rules, anyone who wishes to take part in the debates must have an ELECTED member in the house. The Green Party does not have that. Although they have a member, that member was not elected to represent the Green Party but the Liberal Party. What part of ELECTED doesn't Ms. May understand?
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Here's an idea: if you don't like this decision, vote Green so that hopefully there will one day be an elected member of The Green Party in parliament. If you support this decision, then vote for some other party.
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The more I think about this the more I realize what is going on. . .
Harper realizes that The Green Party has a lot of Conservative elements to it. (Remember that May advised the Mulroney cabinet.) If the Greens gain much more traction they risk splitting the vote on the right again which would send the Conservative movement back to square one. Somehow it seems inevitable though. . .
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The Green Party got 600,000 votes in the last federal election and 750,000 in the last Ontario election. Clearly many Canadians want to hear what May has to say and she should be included on that fact alone - not excluded by broadcasters who don't have any more spine than jellyfish.
As for Harper's argument about "another Liberal in the debates", that reasoning is almost as nonsensical as his rationale for an election.
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OH cry me a river!
Maybe if Green was a REAL party they might get considerations?
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Harper hit the nail on the head. The Liberals and the Greens are using dirty tricks to stack the debate in their favour - and doing it with full disrespect for all Canadians. You know, with the still-recent revelation of similar behaviour from the former Liberal Government of Canada, I cannot understand why any lucid, honest Canadian wants to be associated with that organization.
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Why aren't they included? They have an MP. The Bloc and the Reform were allowed in the debates before having representation in parliament. Is she not fielding more candidates than the Bloc? She's an intelligent woman, an excellent speaker and represents a great party to vote for. Heaven knows that Harper doesn't deserve my vote.
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Ridiculous. Even the latest CTV poll of "battleground" ridings, show them as having higher support than the NDP in Ontario, and closing on them in BC, at this point. Should the NDP be dropped from the debates?
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Having another participant (who doesn't have anyone in the HOC) would reduce time for the four major parties. I think that we need the major contenders to duke it out to show us who the next PM should be.
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This is a very bad decision. I will boycott the debate, and encourage others to do the same.
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>>Garry in NS said: OK folks! As I understand the rules...
Garry, I don't think you DO understand the rules. The rules are whatever "the consortium" decides they are. They could just as easily make a rule that said "any party running in every riding" which would put the Greens in and Bloc out. Or any party earning x% of the vote. Or any party contributing a significant voice to the national dialogue. Or, the apparent favourite, any party that has already had a lock on previous debates.
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Funny how everyone makes sure to blame Stephen Harper for the fact that Ms. May is not going to be in the debates. The fact is that she is a Dion toady and of course he would want her to be in to help bolster his debating.. Ms May has already proved that she leans toward the Liberals, so how is she going to add anything different this time around.. I'm sure when the Green party finally gets someone elected to parliament she will be welcome to join all the debates... Until that happens she is no different than the leader of any of the many fringe parties in Canada.
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| Dizzy Lizzy needs to "chill" |
I think I would rather see the Western Block Party at the debates. They like the Greens don't have an elected seat in the House of Commons and as such have the same right to be at the debate which is NIL.
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Not everyone should be included.
Just because the party exists doesn't mean it has a right to be included in the national debate. This privilege has to be deserved...When the Green Party gets at least one candidate elected...
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Why don't they get rid of Duceppe on those debates? Why should I in Nova Scotia or anywhere outside of Quebec care about the Bloc's position on any of the issues? I can't vote for them. May on the other hand, I can.
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In 1993, Preston Manning was able to present the Reform Party's platform in a national debate when he did not have a seat in Parlaiment because of his only elected representative,Deborah Gray. If this debate had not happened, Steven Harper's party would still be in limbo. To say that May has no right to debate is the same as saying that the Consevatives had no right to circumvent their own election law.
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Bravo Elizabeth --- keep going!
We want to hear what you have to say! Yes for dialogue! Yes for debate between national parties!
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Who's Afraid of Elizabeth May?
Everyone in the media and political elite it seems...
What a bunch of bunk. This is Canada. If we are afraid of giving Ms. May and the Greens (having 10% electoral support)a chance to talk, then we have forgotten who we are, we have forgotten that we pay our taxes to allow her to speak and to run and we have forgotten freedom. We have forgotten my grandfathers and uncles who fought for that freedom in two world wars. Eventualy we will be forgotten because we were afraid of freedom - the freedom to be thinking Canadians who are not denied choices.
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Harper is putting words into Dion's mouth by saying that he will raise the GST. Why did Harper not ask that question of Dion lately? I think that is honest, fair play. For Dion to 'consider' the issue in 2006 is not the same as his non existent plan to raise it now (today)! Time does matter Mr. Duffy!
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If it is the case that the Green Party was to align with the Liberals then the decision to exclude them was correct. Elizabeth May's comments after the fact though, reinforced that decision.
If you get knocked down, you get back up and regroup and strategize. You don't sit there and speak out in the manner that she did.
If I was undecided about the Green Party before, I definately have an opinion about them now.
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From a tactical stand point I think Harper should have let her join because it would have taken votes from the Liberals.
I can see Layton being the harshest critic of letting her in because it is a real threat to his party.
Overall I think the Green Party needs to win a seat (win, not get a disgraced former Liberal to give up his seat) before they can be included, otherwise it could set a precedent for letting...fringe parties participate.
Harper makes a fair point. How much of an opposition leader is she going to be if Dion has made her his defacto candidate in McKay's riding? The fact that May chose to run against Peter McKay in his home riding shows to me a lack of leadership and political savvy. If you are the leader of a real party you need to go after a seat you can win. You owe that to your party...
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I'd prefer to hear from the leader of a party running in all electoral districts (the Greens), than from a party advocating the dissolution of our confederation (the Bloc).
If only the PM had more backbone...
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I've never intended to vote Green but I have to say that muscling out the Greens is completely undemocratic. It's the kind of thing we criticize corrupt governments for doing.
The Green Party under the leadership of Elizabeth May has earned its place at the national televised debates. She wooed a member of Parliament to her party and her party earned more than 660,000 votes and has presented a full slate of candidates in every riding.
I suggest that everyone who is as appalled by this threatened boycott as I am, should e-mail and write to their local candidates as well as to the party leaders that this kind of bullying is unacceptable in Canada.
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In the 2004 election, the conservatives had exactly 0 MPs elected as Conservatives. Every single member of their party was elected as a member either the PC or Alliance parties. If the rule about having to be elected as a member of your own party was enforced, Stephen Harper should not have been allowed to participate in the 2004 debates.
Before the 1997 election, the PC party only had two elected members. I don't see how having two MPs makes a party much more credible than a party that has one.
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Well May's true colors just showed with that unnecessary "anti-feminist" attack.
I think too many people in Canada have too much of a SENSE OF ENTITLEMENT WITHOUT HAVING EARNED IT. The Greens do not have a seat in parliament which they earned, therefore, they cannot be part of the debate. I'd like to be part of the debate also if May is part of it and probably so would 30 million other Canadians.
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In a Powell River newspaper, in Blair Wilson's riding, a poll asked,
"Would you vote for Blair Wilson in the upcoming election?"
Yes = 15 votes
No = 145 votes
Uncertain = 6 votes
You be the judge if there will be a Green Elected member from BC.
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We are spending over 300 million of taxpayers' money for this election. Many, including myself question the need to go through this exercise. I already know what the other leaders will be telling us. They have been in election mode for months. Let's hear a new voice and perhaps some sanity. We just may hear from someone who has a strategy, can tell the truth and show some ledership. Heaven knows we're not seeing this from any of the other candidates.
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It's ridiculous for Harper to say that allowing the Green Party in the debates would, in essence, be allowing another Liberal Party into the debates.
There are similarities between all the major parties, and for the leader of a democracy to publicly announce that he doesn't want a specific party's voice to be heard isn't what I would expect from someone in his position. It's clear to see that the Greens aren't looking to contradict the Conservative platform, they only want the chance to show the Canadian public that they aren't just tree hugging hippies that want to shut down industry and live off the land. Rather, they want to build on what exists in a way that won't cause further damage to what we all rely upon for our basic living and health. I find it incredible that not only would our prime minister decline to participate if the Greens were included in the debate, but almost all the other parties would too. The other parties should have refused to participate if the Greens weren't allowed in.
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I shudder to think what would happen if Elizabeth May was included in the Leader debate. I can see her now jumping up and down beating her fists and acting like a child demanding to be heard. She first has to learn decorum and tact before going before the public, after all there could be children watching!
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Ms. May is so desperate that she can no longer control what's comming out of her mouth. But, unfortunately desperation does not increase your credentials and does not give you the right to get what you want. In the interest of fairness, Mr. Harper and the leaders of two of the other political parties did the right thing to oppose her inclusion in the debate. Let's just ask ourselves: Who is she? Does she have any MP? (I think she should be ashamed of herself if she counts on the MP she got two days ago) What's the percentage of votes the party got in the last election?
If you open the door to her then a lot of other political party leaders whose names we don't even know will ask to be included. After all, why not? None of them has any MP.
Only real parties with a real chance of winning should be included in the debate, otherwise the debate will lose its main purpose...
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Much rather have the Greens debate than the Bloc. At least they're a national party. Elizabeth May is coming off as the most interesting and exciting leader running and she would make the debates less of a snooze.
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Harper, the bully, puts pressure on Layton to agree with him and say No to Green Party participation! May is a leader! This is happening because Harper does not want the environment to be an issue!!
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Solution.... Kick the Bloc out of the debate since they run in only one province, and let the Greens in. As far as the deal Dion and May agreed to.. yeah, it has come back to bite them and will again in the campaign.
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Quelle surprise! The "dinosaur patch" is busy again, but of course those of us who live in a state of intelligence and anticipation of the great future we will inherit(once the current cadre of dinosaurs go their well deserved route)know that times are a changing. The determination that the Green Party must be excluded from the debate simply makes my trip to the polls much easier. The three good old boys with their puffed up opinions of themselves and their stale old parties will wait a very long time to capture my vote. In addition I will find something better to do than listen to their amateurish and dreary rants at the coming debate that they have managed to highjack.
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Am I living in Canada or China?
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Shame on the networks (CTV included) to bow to this kind of pressure! The Green party is far more relevant to the country as a whole than the Bloc! If the Conservatives and other parties threatened to walk, then the networks should have had the guts to tell them to go ahead...I am disgusted with our news media.
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If the Green Party is excluded from the debates, I will exclude myself from watching the debates.
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It's not a matter of democracy, its not a matter of feminism vs. sexism. Its that the Green Party does not have an elected MP, is not a major party (even if the polls indicate they have more support than the NDP, I'll believe it when I see it). Ms. May, stop acting like a feces flinging chimp. When you have an elected MP in the house, you'll be treated like a viable major Canadian party. Our electoral system is too convoluted with little niche parties. Perhaps the Marijuana Party or the Communist Party should be included in the debates?
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I never thought of voting for the Green Party but NOW I WILL in order to protest against the undemocratic influence of the big parties against a legitimate idealistic voice that deserves to be heard during public general elections. Isn't this what we are fighting over seas for????
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Sorry Elizabeth - I'm not necessarily a fan of any other party, but your deal with Stepahne Dion in Central Nova implies even you don't consider your party a viable alternative across the country.
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The Green Party received 664,000 votes in the last election or 4.5% of the popular vote. That is a substantial number. Excluding the Green Party is an affront to our democracy.
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I think it just shows what type of person ms may is.When she does not get her way she resorts to name calling,
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Come on people, think about what allowing this would mean. They haven't WON a seat. Any flake party could have a sitting MP jump to them. I'm a fan of most of the Green Party platform but they have to earn it. And I have lost some respect for May out of her handling of this issue.
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If the Green party can't participate than neither should the Bloc. Afterall, they're not really a federal party since they only run candidates in one province.
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Layton and Harper are cowards. They are afraid to debate May because they know they will lose.
Duceppe has backed away from his threat to boycott. Will Layton and Harper "man-up"?
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LAYTON......LAYTON.....LAYTON.......LAYTON......you above all other party leaders are a disgrace to Canadian politicans and Canadian history will look back on this day as your worst!
Because of you I will never vote NDP!!! Good luck!! Not!!
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My question is why would the networks go to the other parties and ask if they want the greens to show up? Why would they want a party that could potential take votes away from them to show up? Oh well at least you guys are actually covering the stir you've caused.
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From the sounds of things, it was jumping Jack that let Ms. May down, Stevie H, just confirmed the issue.
If the Greens are in it for the Liberals not themselves, why should any one of the other leaders be open for a two versus one.
Sounds real fair, even if you don't like or or more of them.
When the Green's grow up and can do things for themselves, they will get the respect of the others. I am sure they can convey and justify the gaining of liberal play money better than the Dion.
BTW, if anyone out there thinks 2% makes that big of a difference, then I suggest a new formula for consideration.
Use actual CO2 emissions emitted weighed against the ability of your country to absorb CO2.
Do the math, Canada is far ahead of those so called saints in Europe. We have lots of trees, lots of grass, (a few big lakes as well) but then the rest of the world wouldn't go for something that might make Canada look good for absorbing more CO2 than it emits.
My 2 cents (not %)
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I have not looked at the comments. So my comment is based on the story and news itself.
That being said, it is high time that Canadians realize that sexism is still rampant in our society. Since when is a leader qualified or not to participate in a debate. And since when do the qualifications involve the actions of others.
The fact that Ms May is leader of a viable political party with at least 306 candidates attempting to get elected speaks volumes to her qualifications.
I get truly tired of this sexist attitude by men who pretend to want equality but when push comes to shove don't follow through. Isn't it time that all men walk their talk. And that includes those of the networks involved.
I can tell you this. If all of the women of Canada would only realize for a moment that their opportunity for free choice is being abrogated by men in power, I am certain that most if not all of them would not vote for men in power. But then a lot of women are still brainwashed into believing that only men of a certain caliber and intelligence can lead this country regardless of Kim Campbell.
My shame is that as a man I must acknowledge that this sexist attitude still exists in my free society. Shame on all of you who support this type of action.
Change the world, change our society, demand an equal place at the table.
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If they refuse to allow access to the Green Party I will turn off their channel and go to the competitors station.
I will not participate in censorship by business.
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Well if the other parties won't listen to her I will. I guess the others are all the same not really interested in Canadians just out for themselves. Its time for ordinary Canadians to support the Green Party of Canada. So long Jack.
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Ms May is not a credible Federal politician. The Green Party has not elected a member to the parliament. Ms May has not run in an election. She does not belong in the leaders debate. That said, the same should play out for Mr Doucette who does not represent a national party since he only runs candidates in one province.
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The decision to exclude the Green Party from the Leadership debates is NOT in the interest of Canadians. It is in the interest of the parties that strong-armed the Network Consortium into making this anti-democratic decision.
If the Network Consortium had any professionalism they would not allow the parties to dictate who gets to be in the debate and who doesn't. If a Federal party holds a seat in the House then their leader should be in the debate period. A seat is a seat regardless of how it was acquired. If allowing the Green Party to participate means no debate then so be it, that is real democracy. Why are they so scared to debate May?
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I think it is wrong to exclude her, The greens have momentum that can be influential, Mrs. May would really impact/change the debates through her intelligence alone. Once more young adults wake up this party will be taken more serious. As for now... They are a party a, serious party, I say let her in.
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I think its ashame that the Conservatives are CHICKEN! to have a woman put them in there place on the stage!
Harper is simply a chicken! afraid of losing votes to The Green Party cause of his stupidity.
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Shame on the media for caving in.
Harper must be really worried about his track record on the environment.
As for the NDP - it is unbelieveable they would take this stand. What happened to all the rhetoric about fairness? Jack has lost my vote.
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Elizabeth May should be excluded from Politics, never mind from the debates. She is partisan. She also is an embarassement for us Woman in Politics. No one was voted as a Green MP. Who would give her the writes of debating with other Leaders that have MP's. Doesn't take a brilliant person to understand that.
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The consortium can kiss my ass.
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| May yells when she talks. |
(A) Why doesnt Dion let her use his spot he only needs to say "unfair" so much.
(B) Why the heck did May endorse Dion for PM? What real party leader would do this?
(C) Dion and May make side deals to help each other get elected and thats ok.
(D) Most important. Try getting elected Ms. May If it doesnt work this time maybe all parties will agree to remove their names from your riding so you can win.
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In 2006, over 670,000 people voted for the Green Party. I guess they don't count.
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Disgusting, I thought we lived in a democracy. Bunch of gutless self serving cowards.
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Good! I'm glad she's been excluded from the debate. She is a Dion clone and to have to listen to one Dion is enough! Actually too much. And as a female I'm in full accord with Harper and will most certainly be voting for him and his party. So much for the failure to sway female voters. All the best Mr. Harper!
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If May is the head of the Green Party, then she should be allowed to participate in the debate - particularly if there are candidates in 306 ridings and environmental issues are a major concern for Canadians! I am appalled at the stupidity and childishness of our so-called "leaders."
I always vote and encourage others to exercise this privilege - but in this election, I don't perceive any candidate whom I think is fit to lead our country.
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Oh how this will backfire on those corporate controlled politicians, the people of Canada definately won't stand for this and you will see the Greens take action at the voting booth.
I guarantee it, watch the shift towards authentic change take hold of Canada!
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| Elizabeth May and sour grapes |
THE DECISION TO EXCLUDE THE MUCH OUTSPOKEN AND LOUD MS. MAY RESTED WITH THE TV NETWORKS COMMITTEE NOT THE GOVERNMENT. IF SHE HAS ISSUE TAKE IT UP WITH THE NETWORKS.
LET MAY FUME ALL SHE WANTS SHE SHOULDN'T BE THERE.
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Control freak Steven at it again!!!!!!
What does he have to hide?
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Real IT Manager from Calgary has it right. If we are to be truly democratic, every party should be allowed in the leaders' debate. It would be a lot more interesting to hera the platforms of, say, the Communist Party (either flavor), the Libertarian Party, or the Neorhinos, instead of the usual hackneyed codswallop from the major parties.
All's fair in love war and politics, so bring on all the minor parties as well. I would love to hear Dion answer to the Western Bloc Party, or Harper to the Newfoundland First party!
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What is Harper afraid of? And why on earth as a resident of Ontario do I want to her from the bloc when I can't vote for them? There have been many back room deals between parties that we don't know about at least the Greens and Liberals were open about theirs. Although the Greens will most likely not win seats it would be good to hear from them because their input could help influence policy which benefits us all. The Greens were polled at 17% in Ontario, I think it is time their leader has a voice in the debate
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| Zhora Rabinovitch, Toronto |
"There are about 15 federal political parties in Canada. Should all of their leaders be allowed on these TV debates?"
Yes. Run the debates for 24 hours and change the format to make them more interesting and relevant. And publish them online, many don't need TV.
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I may not vote Green, however I am in full support of the Green leader being a part of television debates. The fact that Elizabeth May was denied the ability to participate is a clear violation of what our government is suppose to stand for. I will never vote for a party that denies another legitimate party of its right to be an equal participant in the government.
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Is there anything stopping CTV.ca from having Elizabeth May featured in a separate show perhaps being questioned by just an audience with different political views or a youth panel?
I am sure it would generate HUGE ratings!
Thanks
Carolyn Winter
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You know what, I am not watching this debate. I hope the advertisers realized that they just lost at least half a million viewers because Greens are systematically boycotting the debate. It is not like the other parties will really not show up if they invite Elizabeth May. What a lame excuse for being undemocratic!
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Ummm, can someone please define DEMOCRACY for me, because I can't find a remote outline of what it means in this story.
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Express your anger, join this facebook group: http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=33468321254&ref=mf
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Elizabeth May should definitely be in the debates. What kind of Democracy is running here to shut her out?? This could really influence voters to think twice re the election. Get her included and let her have her say in the debates.
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This would seem to be yet another reason for Canadians to stay home on voting day. "Why bother when it appears there hasn't been a respectable government of any stripe for a long, long time."
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May should not be included, maybe she should have re-thought aligning herself with the Liberals. Her anti-feminist comments are uncalled for.
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Unbelievable.
And Jim from Edmonton - does getting over 8% of the popular vote in the last 2 elections not count as "earning the right" to participate in this incredibly flawed democracy?
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Parliament is our government and the Greens have never elected on MP. It would be an insult to all those who volunteered on campaigns to get their members elected have to hear this one issue broken record player. A debate that is representative of who holds power in Parliament is more realistic.
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Honestly...
There are MANY parties which campaign in Canada each year. Why should the greens have a seat at the debate table when they have NEVER actually had a member sit in the House of Commons who was Elected as a Green? Should the communist party also have a place in the debate "because they want to"? Would that be the democratic way?
A party should at least prove themselves a serious party before being given such an opportunity, and not be included simply because they speak the loudest.
Also, I believe in equality of all Canadians, and think it is deplorable that ALL off the parties are sadly underrepresented by members of minorities, especially women, but to use her exclusion from the debate as a pulpit from which to attack the Prime Minister about Women's right's issues?
This only goes to prove that she does not belong is this debate, there is a time and a place for such topics Ms. May. Win a seat fairly in Parliament, speak carefully in interviews, and earn the respect of the other parties. The next election may be different for your party.
And Mr. Dion? Do you truly require another liberal at the debate to take on Mr. Layton and Prime Minister Harper?
Sadly, this election has truly gone to the playground, everyone calling everyone else a liar, "he said, she said" stuff, and thus far (although still early), we voters have heard little in terms of what these parties will offer if elected, except from the Conservatives.
Although typically not a Conservative supporter, I admit that if all I hear from the Liberal camp is "He's a liar" and "It's not a tax", we may very well see the NDP as the opposition.
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Elect a Green Party member, and actually sit in the HOC as a party member,have a seat at the debate. Until then look in from the outside.
And didn't May say she would not run a candidate in Dion's riding.
That would mean she is not telling the truth, and using the untruth to justify her position.
And really read this article and the Liberals were the only one's to want her there. Stop saying it was all the conservatives fault.
Really people, when the article is right above your comments, read all the words in the story, not just the words you like.
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It's amazing to me that this would happen again! The Green Party has a lot of support throughout the Country. It's time to let them join. Shame on you Media Consortium!
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I think Elizabeth should be allowed to debate - she represents a growing number of Canadians (well over half a million) who support her parties views on our nation.
The Green Party is no longer 'fringe' and has a solid platform that goes beyond green speak and is now one of the more future minded and responsible parties out there when it comes to energy, economics and environment.
Harper is simply afraid to answer to her intellectuality backed questions on environment - issues he has been skirting for some time. As for the other parties? They definitely should be afraid of vote splitting.
So given that shes 'the opposition' why should they even have a say on if she should be in the debates or not? Of course it's not in their interest!
I want to see FAIR media coverage. Include the Green Party.
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It is absurd that the Green party is not being allowed in the leader's debate. The reasons put forth for barring them are laughable. This is a national party. Far more than the Bloc.
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I must congratulate all the bloggers here that decided to shoot smarmy insults and antagonistic lines to the Leader of the Green Pary. It truly shows the rest of the country (and the world for that matter) how "democracy" works. Silence those that would oppose us...hmmm...kinda sounds Hitler-esque, eh?
Harper, you should be scared. Your idea of change is out of date. If a minority is all the Canadian public wants to give you, than maybe you should just accept it.
Heed the advice of days gone by that "Absolute power corrupts absolutly"...we all know what you like Stevie boy...
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| Jeff (Green Party Member), Burlington |
Democracy weakens if the media lets politicians dictate their opponents in debates.
The networks should call Harper's bluff--if he didn't show up to face May it would show him for the coward he truly is. Ditto for the coward Layton (afraid).
This is an OUTRAGE against all that is right and fair--many Canadians are going to make their voice heard on this one, even though I'm Green, I know they will see the unfairness in this.
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Shame on the national broadcasters and SHAME on the national "leaders" for trying to muzzle our democracy.
The Green Party has worked hard to win the ear of Canadians. It is our responsibility as citizens and voters to encourage legitimate reasoned voices into our national discourse.
Good on Mr. Dion and Mr. Duceppe for not pissing like children at the prospect. To think the NDP claimed to support proportional representation. Such "leadership", Mr. Layton and Mr. Harper. Politics as usual for them.
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This is terrible! What are they afraid of...she might show them up. I feel this lady has something to say for her Party and should be heard.
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Shame on the networks for even thinking they have the right to decide who we hear in an electoral debate. Their job is to broadcast the debate, not to decide who participates. Climb down off your high horses. Barring Elizabeth May from the debates is not particularly anti-feminist - it's anti-intelligence. Ms. May would add a lot of spice to a debate and might even force the old stodgies to actually open up about issues Canadians care about. Excluding Ms. May shows how low politicians, especially Harper, will go to achieve their goals - goals that have nothing to do with the needs of Canadians. A pox on all of them.
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WHAT!! I can't beleive that in an democratic country, like our shining example, that open debate between all leaders of ALL RECOGNIZED political parties can't participate is almost Fascist! What the hell people, it has to be us to push this to success, just to hear their position on the issues. DUH! The party has a member in parliment, even for a very short time, so why not cut democracy some slack, huh?
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Personally I feel that Elizabeth May as as much right to Participate in the "Federal" (Representating all of Canada) Leaders debate as does Gilles Duceppe. Maybe if she were from Quebec, it would have made a difference, huh?
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what a load of crap.. all this because bully harper refused to play if May was there.. well i guess he was worried that she would even mention the word 'environment' or 'Ambrose'. Once again (and sadly) our dictator wins showing his complete contempt for democracy...
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Why have a debate after all?
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May do these men need to play such games. Grow up. I know I will not watch the debates.
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If the rules say having a member in Parlament and she now has one then she must be given the same rights as the oers, however from her commens last night on CTV that is is a man thing, that they are afraid of a women being in the debate s pure orse pucky and she has just lost any chance of me voting for the green party! From a low life man!
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There should not be a debate without the inclusion of Ms. May. The Green Party provides an important voice, and perhaps that is the real story here: the other parties would have to defend their environmental policies and lack of action plans. Keep fighting for inclusion, Ms. May.
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Debates should include only national parties--the last time I checked the Bloc do not have any candidates in any other province except Quebec.
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Debates should only include "National" parties. The last time I checked the Bloc did not have any candidates in other provinces except Quebec...
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Remember although the Green Party has a seat, that sets them apart from the other lesser known party's, the Green Party has met the criteria and the argument doesn't hold water that the seat use to be a Liberal and switched... NDP did it, Reform did it! Harper is just afraid of May, she will call his bluff that's all
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Honestly- who cares.
This is a one issue candidate, and until this changes, they should not have any standing.
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Haper is the most hypocrital leader I have ever seen. His reasoning for fearing May was due to the Liberals not running a candidate against her. We all know there is a long standing tradition in Canadian polictics to not run a candidate against another leader. But now the Tories won't run a candidate against Andre Arthur in Quebec? This is just bizaare. Does he have no integrity? Does his word mean anything? I think it is time he invited May to debate.
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Glad to see that CTV is still holding up the cause of democracy. Can't have that dictator, Harper, and his new found sidekick, Layton, telling the networks who should participate in debates. Heaven forbide that Ms. May would have an opportunity to "pollute" the airways and show up the male leaders on national television! Shame on CTV for this act of submission. CTV, CBC and Global could simply have said; "you guys need us more than we need you! Maybe we'll just reruns of Canadians Idols or Dragon's Den and pull in better numbers." Gutless!!
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The Green Party receives federal funding but is not included in the debates. A travesty of democracy. All parties except the Liberals are afraid of Elizabeth May & her views. I have lost a lot of respect for Jack Layton.
I never had any for the "Big C" & the Bloc
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A Victory for common sense!
If the theory of Elizabeth May was right, I could start my own party (Peoples Party for the Right to Not Wear Underwear) and demand to be let in on the debate. Of course I wouldn't have any seats but in Liz's eyes it wouldn't matter. We've already got one Liberal debater.
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It is interesting to note that a "leaders debate" invites represetation from the only party that can never provide a leader to this country but not refuses to allow one from a party that has the potential....
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Free publicity for the Green Party! Way to go Harper! Afraid to debate on the environment. I think there should be a special debate on the environment with Elizabeth May. Then we could see Harper's true colors.
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Re: Dave Craig
Good to hear! Although the Green have one MP, he didn't get elected as a Green.
How many elected liberals & conservatives have crossed the floor and abandoned the constituents who elected them?
Both parties have lost my vote.
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Its sad when our politcians are acting like a bunch of silly school girls. I for one would love to hear what she has to say..
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Outrageous!
A national party, holding almost 5% of the votes in the last election, with detailed policies on all important issues, and with a member in parliament, but they are excluded from the national leaders' debate due to pressure from the other parties.
Sounds like someone's afraid that Canadians might ear some fresh ideas . . .
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I have to ask myself, what issues does she bring to the debate table besides her green environment propoganda? The other leaders (except for Dion) have said they will not participate if she is included. This is what happens when you jump into bed with the liberals. She has lost two previous court cases over this same issue and she'll lose again. The decision has been made so let's move on. There has been enough focus on this issue.........
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Parties in many other countries need over 5% of the peoples vote to even count or be eligible for any public debate. Does the green party, who bases their entire platform on one issue, even have 5%? And why is May playing the feminist card suddenly when it was decided she doesn’t have enough to join a televised debate? Pathetic.
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The televised debates are already boring enough, add every fringe party to the debate and no one will watch. There are a dozen with official party status in Canada by the way...
Get official party status, and join the debate.
My personal opinion, is that it must also be a true national party, not a provincial or Separatist party like the Bloc. Including them is insulting to Canadians.
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What are Stephen Harper and Jack Layton AFRAID of? This exclusion in an affront to democracy and all Canadians should stand up en masse and refuse to watch unless she is included.
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If this is freedom of democery is there really a real one
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good guestion sal. she should be allowed in the debates...and its past time to send Harper back to Alberta.
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Outrage...an afront to democracy...unbeleiveable....
Give me a break. She is not elected to parliment, her party has NO one elected to parliment and she wants to be on the stage?...Forget it Liz...earn it just like everyone else did. The jabs at femminisum and so on are just plain stupid and show you for what you really are..a single issue party
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Scott Moffat....."millions of Green Party supporters"
Geee Scott what are you so worried about, with the millions of supporters you will no doubt form the next government.
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Shame on the politicians, shame on the network executives. Whether you support the Green Party or not, all Canadians have a right to hear what they have to say. This is a democracy, not a third world country run by dictators. I hope it backfires on them and Canadians choose to play the same game and choose not to watch the debate. What are they afraid of that she may actually answer the questions shes asked.
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Next step - Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe should be banned as well from all national debates. Let the people of Quebec hear him.
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Ok so we are communist or a free democratic country !! I am sorry that I am ashamed of our government and this is why I never really bother to vote. If a party leader being excluded then what the point to have our voice heard and I am appalled that green heard party is being excluded !! Keep fighting for your voice May !!!! All leader deserve to attend the public debate.
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A party that represents only one province can come out and play. But a party that represents a federal party can't come out and play?
Makes me want to throw my vote to the Green party out of spite.
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A bunch of dirty, filty hippies don't get their own way and fail to muck up the debate of the legitimate parties. How is this even a story?
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Thanks to Canada's New Government.
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The networks decided not to include her and I feel that is great. I wish it was just between the Tories and Liberals. The "Quebec Party" which is not a Canadian National Party shouldn't be included either. While the NDP should be present because they are indeed a national party, I must say "I wouldn't follow Layton out of a burning building!"
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The only test should be; Does the party have official status? If it does she belongs in the debate.
Harper is playing dirty. This should not come as a surprise he has been playing dirty since he first appeared. Lying and obfuscating the facts are his tacticts.
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None of this has to do with anyone being frightened. It's about fairness.
May and Dion made a deal that was heavily criticized when it was struck; and for good reason. May has, in the past, publicly endorsed Dion as who she'd want a Prime Minister. How can anyone disagree with the notion that allowing her into the debate is in essence, allowing two leaders running on the same platform?
The fact that Dion is the only federal leader who supports her inclusion speaks volumes.
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| Charlie from Fredericton, NB |
A party that wins a decent percentage of the popular vote, and Canadians who voted for that party, deserve a place in the debates.
Party leaders (Harper, Dion, Layton) and media networks continue perpetuating undemocratic shams/scams.
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This is ridiculous. Allowing the greens in the debate is NOT like allowing a second liberal candidate, because, wait for it. SHE ISN"T A LIBERAL CANDIDTE.
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This takes the meaning away from the leaders debates. There now is no point in following the leaders debates.
All the leaders will do is psychologically kill their opponents in them now.
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If this has to do with who has a chance of winning whats the NDP doing there?
Why does the BLOC participate?
I would like to hear what Elizabeth May has to say.
To Stephen Harper I say, The environment is a pressing issue. Shame on you for turning a blind eye.
P.S. you can't come to my birthday party
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I think that the 4 leaders were correct and saying that they would not attend the debate.
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This kind of nonsense is completely unacceptable. Let voters hear from the Green Party too. Who knows, even Mr. Harper might learn something!
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I think Ms. May has a very valid point when she says that the Bloc is given the right to participate when they are restricted to only one certain part of the country.
Personally I along with most people I know do not want to see Mr. Duceppe go on and on about his separatist agenda. We allow a party to participate that is trying to tear Canada apart, but do not allow a party participation that is trying to make an environmental push federally where there is an obvious lack of urgency with the present house.
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There are 25 Federal political parties in Canada.
The Greenie Beanies don't have an elected member other than the independant who joined them.
How many "crack-pot" parties do you want in these so-called debates?
Even the Block should be excluded from any national debate as they are only a regional party.
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VancouverKR
Anti Feminist? Hardly, Elizabeth. Anti-Multiple Liberal candidates? Yes. Do you remember being at the National Press Gallery with Dion and saying you will be supporting him for Prime Minister? And what about running a candidate in every riding? Why not have a candidate in Mr. Dion's riding? Oh, that's right. It's because you want your party members to vote for him."
Thats hardly a point since Mr Harper has decided not to run people in some ridings of independants that support him.
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This is quite simple Ms. May....when you succeed in actually being 'elected' to Parliament as leader of your Party you may participate in the debates...and rightly so. But, if you cannot even get elected yourself, please don't ask to be included on the shirt-tails of a Liberal defector...that just reinforces your Dion-Deal.
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Shame on Harper Ms Mat has every right to be at any debate involving this election. Harper is like the kid who finds out that if he can't play by his rules, take his ball and goes home. The man is now and allways will be a control freak. He has proved this time and time again. It is time for a change in our country.
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Good, why should she get special treatment, the party is not mainstream like the others!!
How about the other FRINGE parties then; Libertarian, Family Values, etc, etc.
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@ A Real IT Manager from Calgary
How many of those parties run candites in all 308 ridings in canada?
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Shame on Harper and Layton for despising democracy and shame on the networks for allowing themselves to be bullied and intimidated into excluding Elizabeth May in the debates! CTV and CBC should have called Harper's and Layton's bluff. This incident has sealed my determination to vote for the Green party.
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| offended that you want to decide for me |
I hadn't planned on it, but just for that, I'm voting Green now. The Green Party has earned the right to be in the televised debates. If the Greens aren't included in the debate, I won't watch.
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The Greens are a one issue fringe party.
The last thing the country needs is more political parties, creating disharmony.
Besides, they are running on an issue with about as much basis in science as creationism.
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What are these green party doing. Stop crying and build a party. They are actually worse than the LIBERALS.
Actually the green party cries just as much as the NDP
Paul B.C.
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Ms May
Stop your snivelling and prove yourself worthy of being a woman in parliament before you start pushing yourself into places you have no clue about!
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Alexa McDonough, Audrey McLaughlin, Kim Campbell... were these not women, all involved in past national leaders' debates?!?!
Anti-feminism, shmeminism.
Why don't you get an elected seat in the house, then you can crash the party? Stop stooping to such trashy, pitiful comments, Ms. May.
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I've seen way too much of Ms. May on my television lately. She has nothing of value to add to the election campaign, and has never been elected to anything except the leader of a fringe group of hippies who are trying to take over our country for their own gain.
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Here's a guestion from your grandchildren that you will have to answer one day soon: Grandmother, what were you doing when democracy was being stripped away from us?
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For all on the Left.
Be careful folks. Harper is a devious individual who is very good at manipulating the public. None of the sympathy votes that May will get from this will come from the Conservatives. They will be split from the Liberals and the NDP. Keep that in mind when you vote. They only vote that can truly stop Harper is a Liberal one.
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Reading these comments I see the majority dont have a clue .E May certainly wouldnt get my vote after the behind the fence deal with Dion and certainly not if she cant be big enough to see that this has nothing to do with being anti-feminist.
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She'd of had a chance of making it into the debate if it wasn't for her and Dion's alliance/pact in Central Nova.
Dion not running a Liberal candidate in Central Nova in order to help May against the Conservatives and NDP is an abuse of our democracy.
Her sudden rants about her exclusion due to the fact that she is a woman should be proof enough that she is a ridiculous person who's contribution to a debate would only be comedic relief.
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I used to support the Conservatives...that is until Harper broke his OWN promise to have FIXED election dates! Now I think I shall vote Green Party as I find the other options repugnant.
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As a member of the Green Party, I was appalled when Stephen Harper called Dr. Elizabeth May a Liberal. That is an insult to all Greens.The Green Party, in Canada, has its' roots in the environmental movement but globaly, the Greens are actually in positions of power. The Green Party of Canada also has a great solution to health care and child care. They are a totally fleshed out party. Check out their website.
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Elizabeth May definitely deserves to be part of the election debate!
Our environment is THE most important issue for this election event.
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I say "GET RID OF DUCEPPE". Nobody else in the country can vote for his party. No other province or territory in the country has any Bloc representatives or members running. Why should the Bloc even be allowed to be in federal politics at all. Provincial politics I can see, but not federal.
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Has anyone who is harping (no pun intented) on the fact that the Green Party can't participate in the national debates until they have an ELECTED member of Parliament ever thought that there was a time when the Conservative party was with out ELECTED members? Bring Ms. May into the debate, if only to shake up the staus quo.
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It never ceases to amaze me how people can be so self-assured in their ignorance, how they never fail to find time to write a nasty comment, yet always fail to inform themselves first. Quit embarrassing yourselves and READ the Green Party platform, at www.greenparty.ca . If you're so sure Elizabeth May doesn't belong in the leaders' debates, it's the least you can do as a responsible voter.
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Yet another shining example of Harper's commitment to democracy. Layton also shows his true colours as a scared bully who is irrelevant.
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Harper/Layton tag team should not surprise anyone. They joined forces to attack Ralph Goodale at the last election (with the help of the RCMP)Then Flaherty did an end run to wipe out any poor Trust investor.
I seriously doubt I would vote for May but would like to hear what she could do debating those two clowns.
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