QUESTION PERIOD — Democratic Institutions
Leaders' Debates Commission
March 22, 2022
My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.
Senator Gold, in 2018, through an order-in-council, the government established The Leaders’ Debates Commission, which is charged with organizing one leaders’ debate in each official language during each federal election period. The Leaders’ Debates Commission is required to provide to the Minister of Democratic Institutions a report no later than five months after the day on which a general election is held. Subsequently, the minister is to table the report in Parliament.
February 20 marked five months since the last federal election. As you may recall, there was much controversy surrounding the format and questions of the last federal leaders’ debate. I have initiated a Senate inquiry on this topic but have been delayed in speaking to it. I am hoping to use the report of The Leaders’ Debates Commission to inform my speech. I know that I’m not the only Canadian who is interested in this report.
Senator Gold, when can we expect to see The Leaders’ Debates Commission’s report?
Thank you, senator, for the question.
As highlighted, The Leaders’ Debates Commission was created to make the debate process predictable, reliable and stable. Before its creation, party-leader participation was determined in an ad hoc way behind closed doors. The commission will continue to serve the purpose of improving Canadians’ knowledge of the parties, their leaders and policy positions. I’m advised the report will be tabled soon.
Senator Gold, given there is no current Minister of Democratic Institutions, is this delay in part because there is no minister in place to deal with the report?
Thank you for your supplementary question. I’m advised that the commission’s calendar of activities is independent from the naming of a Minister of Democratic Institutions, so the answer is no.
