Public consultation on leaders’ debates

Jim Eglinski, Member of Parliament for Yellowhead, is pleased to invite constituents to participate in a public consultation on political party leaders’ debates. The information gathered during these consultations will be used to help inform policy decisions, with the goal of having an independent commission or commissioner in place in advance of the next federal election campaign.

“A well-informed, engaged electorate is fundamental to the health and well-being of our democracy,” stated MP Eglinski.

In every federal election since 1984, leaders’ debates of one kind or another have been held. Traditionally, a consortium of Canada’s major broadcasters has organized the events. In 2015, there were a total of five leaders’ debates, but they were not broadcast to a wide audience nor attended by every political leader.

“The Liberals are proposing to set up an independent commission to organize leaders’ debates in future federal elections,” stated MP Eglinski. “But it is a proposal that comes with many complications and questions. Who would be on this commission? How would the debates be organized? Who would be invited to participate and who would be left out?”

The Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of Democratic Institutions, is conducting roundtable discussions at academic institutions across Canada, as well as accepting feedback from members of the public. The Parliamentary Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (PROC) also began a related study in November 2017.

Members of the public are invited to submit their feedback online until February 9, 2018. The website can be found at: www1.canada.ca/ en/contact/leaders_debates. html?utm_source=NR_EN&utm_ campaign=LeadersDebates

“I invite all constituents who have an interest in democratic practices to provide feedback through the consultation or to write Minister Gould with their thoughts,” concluded MP Eglinski.