(OTTAWA) - Statement from Julian Morelli, Director of Communications for the Green Party of Canada:
“On Friday, NDP leader Thomas Mulcair, signaled an intent to back out of his commitment to take part in the upcoming election debate on national television.
“The Green Party of Canada is dismayed by this apparent reversal, and believes that Mr. Mulcair owes it to Canadians to show up. Voters rightfully expect Mr. Mulcair to present his party's policies in a free and open debate accessible by millions of Canadians, whether they choose to watch it on television, radio, or the top social media platforms currently available to Canadians.
“We call on Mr. Mulcair to participate so that Canadians will have an opportunity to hear from party leaders, whether Stephen Harper chooses to show up or not – that’s his choice. In the last federal election, over 14 million Canadians tuned in to watch the National Broadcasters’ debate – why is Mr. Mulcair backing away?
“Sadly, Mr. Mulcair, appears to be taking his lead from Stephen Harper and the Conservatives, who have flatly refused to show up for the debate. Investigative Reporter for Global News, Leslie Young, recently reported that Conservative sources were predicting several days before, that the NDP would pull out of the National Broadcasters’ debates. We are concerned that with this revelation, the NDP and Conservatives are once again working together, as they did in 2008 to try and exclude Elizabeth May.
“In addition, the NDP’s outlined criteria in their press release make absolutely no sense. Thomas Mulcair stated that he will only participate in debates with Stephen Harper and all other party leaders. If that is the case, then why is he participating in the TVA, Globe and Mail, and Munk Leaders’ debates, in which Green Party Leader Elizabeth May has been excluded? Does Thomas Mulcair think that Elizabeth May is not a national party leader?
“If Mr. Mulcair decides that he will not take part, we believe that Canadians will be outraged and so they should.”
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For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Julian Morelli
Director of Communications
Green Party of Canada
cell: (613) 614 4916
office: (613) 562 4916 (224)
julian.morelli@greenparty.ca