In a controversial decision made by the broadcast consortium responsible for the leaders debate The Green Party's Elizabeth May has been excluded once again. I think it's the wrong decision.
The Green Party don't have an MP in the House of Commons. But they do run candidates in all 308 ridings across the country. The Bloc Quebecios run candidates in only Quebec's 75 ridings, want to separate from Canada, and yet Gilles Duceppe is sitting at the table. Doesn't she deserve a seat at the table on that alone?
The media (and I include myself in that) have a responsibiltiy to see Canadians make an informed decision on voting day no matter what our own personal biases may be. Elizabeth May represents a valid point-of-view, with policies some Canadians believe in and do vote for; don't these people deserve a chance at being heard? The precedent has already been set, she was allowed to debate the last time out. What's the harm in having her debate this time?
We complain there are no women in politics. We ask ourselves why, and try to find different ways to encourage their participation. And yet when a well-spoken woman who happens to be a party leader comes along, representing a party that increases its popular vote every election she isn't allowed to debate her fellow leaders? There's something wrong with this picture. Let her debate. Let her make the Green Party's case before the people of Canada. It can only help democracy.
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