The Leaders Debates
CBC News Online
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| Leaders Debate 2004 |
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The second of the two national leaders debate was spirited and impassioned, and ended with no clear winner. Liberal leader Paul Martin came under fire for the sponsorship scandal. NDP leader Jack Layton accused Martin of “arrogance” for saying that only two parties have the potential to form the government. For his part, Martin focussed many of his attacks on Conservative leader Stephen Harper. Bloc Quebecois leader Gilles Duceppe led off the debate by saying his party would not agree to a coalition with the Liberals or the Conservatives.
The leaders have been looking to the debates as a way of clarifying the
differences between their policies. The polls suggest that the race between
the Liberals and the Conservatives is too close to call, and any chance
to speak directly to voters is crucial for the parties.
Monday’s French-language contest also failed to produce any clear-cut winner.
Tonight’s English debate followed the same structure as the French
debate, with four main topics: 'Leadership, Trust and Accountability', 'Canada's Place in the World', 'Social Policy' and 'Health Care'. The leaders had opportunities to make statements, spar
one-on-one, and engage in an all-out debate with each other.
Below are excerpts from the English debate.
The leaders each got to make an opening statement. (Runs 3:14)
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Canada's Place in the World
The leaders discussed Canada-U.S. relations, anti-ballistic missiles, softwood lumber, trade agreements and the state of Canada's military. |
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Social Policy
The leaders discussed their policies on cities, federal encroachment on provincial responsibility, and the use of the notwithstanding clause. |
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Health Care
The final section was about the parties' health care policies. |
The leaders also had an opportunity to make closing statements. (Runs 3:59)
Related Audio & Video:
 AUDIO
The Current's Anna-Maria Tremonti interviews the Green Party leader Jim Harris about his reaction to the debate.
(Runs 10:33)
VIDEO
Mark Kelley determines whether people in Moose Jaw are interested in the debate.
(Runs 3:18)
VIDEO
Susan Ormiston with a Backstory on how the Globe and Mail newspaper wrote the story of the debate.
(Runs 5:18)
VIDEO
The National talks to Canadians who watched the debate.
(Runs 15:37)
VIDEO
Rosa Marchitelli reports on the reaction from Vancouver residents.
(Runs 1:53)
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