Five of the Conservatives’ six contenders for support have voted in favor of a third official debate, with the alleged favorite being the only stubborn one.
Leadership candidates Jean Charest, Patrick Brown, Leslin Lewis, Roman Baber and Scott Aichison publicly said on Wednesday that they were open for a third competition, but Pierre Poalievre has not yet weighed.
The party held two official debates in May, one in English and one in French. Earlier this month, there was an informal debate organized by the political advocacy group Canada Strong & Free Network – although Brown was absent.
Former Quebec Prime Minister Charest tweeted his support for Wednesday’s third official debate.
“I welcome the opportunity for another #CPCLDR debate on political ideas. “Every candidate should welcome the opportunity to get more involved with our members,” Charest tweeted.
I welcome the possibility of another one
Do you take? https://t.co/YOwmzHESJI
– @ JeanCharest_
He also asked his fellow candidates if they would join him on stage, and most expressed approval.
– Let’s have another debate! tweeted former Ontario MP Baber.
“Canadians need to hear us. But this time not Tom Clark, “he added, expressing dissatisfaction with the moderator of the English debate, journalist Tom Clark.
Let’s have another debate!
Canadians need to hear from us. But not Tom Clark this time https://t.co/JCBpf7WA5B
– @ Roman_Baber
Brown, the mayor of Brampton, said it was important for Conservative members to get a better idea of the candidates’ policies and ideas. In previous debates, candidates have argued in areas such as rising living costs, public health measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and foreign policy.
“I welcome and look forward to a third debate on the Conservative leadership,” Brown said on Twitter.
I will welcome a third official pic.twitter.com/TrIev3Z61d
– @ patrickbrownont
“We need – and the membership deserves – a stable, transparent broadcast of political positions and different visions for the future of the party to decide who is best to lead us forward.
In a video posted on Twitter, Parry Sound-Muskoka MP Aitchison said a third debate would be a good way to talk to new party members.
Party sources told the CBC earlier this week that a record number of members are expected to vote in the race. The new leader will be announced on September 10.
“Thousands of Canadians across the country have joined our party for the first time [for] many of them and many of them do not know their candidates for leadership so well, “Aichison said.
“So it would be great to have a third policy debate where we can talk about ideas that not only these new members of our party, but millions of Canadians across the country can hear.
I’m coming in.
What do you think pic.twitter.com/MSRa686tjU
– @ ScottAAitchison
Haldimand – Norfolk MP Lewis also voiced support for a third official debate on Twitter – but with a trick.
“I am always open to any debate that involves honest dialogue and is not just an opportunity for public muddying,” she said. Some commentators find the debate remarkable for its tumult.
I am always open to any debate that involves honest dialogue and is not just an opportunity for public muddying. https://t.co/h9iRlDl1oF
– @ LeslynLewis
But Carleton MP Pierre Poalievre, who is considered a candidate for victory so far, did not join the people.
A Poilievre campaign spokesman did not immediately respond to a CBC request for comment.
In a statement to the CBC, Conservative President Robert Butterson said a decision on a third debate had not been made, but the party would take into account the views of candidates and members.
“In mid-April 2022, the Conservative Party of Canada informed the candidates for leadership that two official debates would take place in May and that we would reserve the right to schedule a third official debate in August,” the statement said.
“No decision has been taken at this time for a third debate, but we are hearing the members of the Conservative Party, including, but not limited to, the six leadership campaigns, about their views on holding a third official debate.
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