OTTAWA – The 10 contenders for the leadership of the Green Party of Canada will line up for the first all-contestants debate at 7 p.m. EDT on Sunday.
Hosted by Fair Vote Canada and moderated by two former party leaders, Elizabeth May (MP, Saanich-Gulf Islands), and Jim Harris, the debate will focus on democracy, exploring topics such as electoral reform, proportional representation, voter turnout and youth engagement.
The 10 contests are (in alphabetical order): Judy N Green (NS), Meryam Haddad (QC), Courtney Howard (NWT), Amita Kuttner (BC), Dimitri Lascaris (ON), David Merner (BC), Glen Murray (MB), Annamie Paul (ON), Dylan Perceval-Maxwell (QC) and Andrew West (ON).
Online voting will take place from September 26 to October 3. A mail-in option will also be available. The party will announce its new leader in October.
“This is an exciting moment for the party. This debate will be a chance for Canadians to see a diverse field of strong contestants hailing from across the country,” said Green Party Interim Leader Jo-Ann Roberts. “While party members will not be able to meet our contestants in person due to pandemic restrictions, the online debates will be an excellent opportunity for them to listen and learn about each individual’s approach to leadership of the party, across a range of topics.”
Fair Vote Canada Executive Director, Anita Nickerson said: “Canada faces critical choices ahead – about climate change, our economic recovery, building a resilient health care system, and social justice. It's never been more important that the voices of Canadians are fairly represented in the decision making process. This debate is a chance for Green Party leadership candidates to share their vision for a stronger democracy."
“I’m thrilled that Fair Vote Canada invited our contestants to be part of this debate.” said Ms. Roberts. “The Green Party remains strongly committed to democratic reform. Replacing the unfair and antiquated first-past-the-post voting with proportional representation is a vital first step in restoring public confidence in our electoral system.”
Coming up on June 23 and 24, TVO’s The Agenda, moderated by Steve Paikin, will host the second all-candidates debate. The full debate will be Livestreamed on: June 23 at 3 p.m. EDT, and the TVO broadcast (Ontario only) will be held over two nights with five contestants appearing each night: June 23 and 24 at 8 p.m. and 11.00 p.m. EDT.
First Leadership debate:
When: Sunday June 21, 7 p.m. (EDT)
Where: Live online! Register to view and submit questions: Debate On Democracy
Registration: Webinar Registration
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For more information or to arrange an interview:
Rosie Emery
Press Secretary
613-562-4916 ext, 204