OTTAWA – With the federal election debates fast approaching, the Green Party of Canada encourages Quebecers to tune in to Radio-Canada’s debate, and it urges federal political parties not to set a precedent on cash-for-access debates.
The TVA television network, a subsidiary of Quebecor Media, is charging political parties $75,000 each to participate in its leaders’ debate—a move that raises serious concerns about pay-to-play politics. To boot, the event will only take place if all four invited parties—the Liberals, Conservatives, Bloc Québécois, and NDP—agree to participate.
Despite representing hundreds of thousands of Canadians and with representation in the House of Commons, the Green Party did not obtain an invitation to join the debate. Of course, the invitation would have been shredded.
“In a democracy, ideas—not money—should determine who gets heard,” said Green Party Co-Leader Jonathan Pedneault. “The TVA debate model is a troubling sign of what could happen when public broadcasting is weakened. This is why Pierre Poilievre’s plan to defund the CBC/Radio-Canada is so dangerous—it would push us further toward a system where only the wealthiest parties get to participate in shaping the conversation.”
The Green Party warns against drifting toward an American-style system, where corporate money dominates politics and distorts the democratic process. In the U.S., the Citizens United decision opened the floodgates for billionaires and corporations to control elections. If Canada erodes public broadcasting, we take a step down that dangerous path.
“Public broadcasting is one of the last remaining tools we have to protect real democracy,” added Green Party Co-Leader Elizabeth May. “Pierre Poilievre’s plan to defund the CBC and Radio-Canada would silence independent journalism, limit diverse perspectives, and give even more power to wealthy elites. Quebecers should take note of how TVA is treating its debate and recognize why a strong, well-funded public broadcaster is essential.”
The Green Party urges all Quebecers to tune in to Radio-Canada’s debate to hear from political leaders in a fair and accessible setting—one where participation is based on public, not economic interest.
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For more information or to arrange an interview :
Fabrice Lachance Nové
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Rod Legget
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