TVA announced it was asking the four main political parties to contribute $75,000 each to participate, due to a lack of funding
TVA announced it was asking the four main political parties to contribute $75,000 each to participate, due to a lack of funding
TVA announced it was asking the four main political parties to contribute $75,000 each to participate, due to a lack of funding
OTTAWA — Liberal Leader Mark Carney lost the first French-language debate before it even started.
The Liberal Party of Canada announced its leader will not participate in the all-important French language TVA debate, raising yet another question on his ability to speak to francophones across the country and especially in Quebec.
The most-watched French-language network in Quebec organizes a parallel event to the French and English-language debates organized by the Leaders’ Debates Commission. It has become a must-see event during every election.
For example, former Conservative leader Andrew Scheer’s performance in this debate in 2019 was widely panned, while Justin Trudeau’s Liberals were able to regain momentum and win a second term.
However, TVA announced a few days ago that it was asking the four main political parties to contribute $75,000 each to participate, due to a lack of funding. Now, the absence of a single party means the debate won’t go ahead.
The Bloc Québécois quickly signed the contract and expressed willingness to participate, even though it raised ethical questions. All political parties were reluctant to pay to debate. Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative Party, however, announced its participation.
He even challenged Carney to do the same.
“Why not? Yes, yes,” Carney told reporters on Monday. He emphasized that he wanted to participate in the debates with all political parties, including the Green Party. TVA, however, only invited the Liberals, Conservatives, the Bloc Québécois, and the NDP.
A few hours later, his team announced that he would not debate on TVA. No Liberal party means there won’t be a debate.
“Mr. Carney… looks forward to participating in the Leaders’ Debate Commission debates, which were confirmed today for April 16 and 17 in Montreal,” said Liberal Party spokesperson Guillaume Bertrand.
The party did not explain why he would not participate. A source, speaking on background, said there was a reluctance to pay for the event.
“The Liberal leader claims to have the strength and courage to confront Donald Trump, but he doesn’t even have the courage to come and speak to Quebecers. He disqualifies himself, and Quebecers will pass judgment without appeal,” said Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet.
The NDP deputy Leader Alexandre Boulerice said it was “very insulting to Quebec” and that “no matter what excuse he gives, the truth is that Mark Carney prefers to hide and not answer questions in French.”
More to come.
National Post
atrepanier@postmedia.com
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