I am stunned that the Broadcast Consortium that governs the setup of the leaders’ debates for the 2011 federal election in Canada excluded the leader of the Green Party.

In the last federal election the Green Party received the support of 6% of the voting population … a significant number. The percentage of the population that actually cares enough to vote has been shrinking in recent years. Ignoring the voice and desire of such a large block of voters only encourages more voter apathy and lack of involvement from the public.  One sign of the continuing strength of our democracy is the diversity of parties we have at the federal level; agree with her or not Elizabeth May represents that diversity.

I hope the CBC will use what influence it has to change this decision so that Elizabeth May can join these debates. I for one will not watch these debates without her participation as I do not feel that the remaining parties are doing enough or indeed saying anything at all about the serious issues facing our country and the world.

I encourage all Canadians to protest the arbitrary decision made by this Consortium’s members (the CBC, Radio-Canada, CTV, Global and TVA).

Sincerely,

Chris Newton

P.S. – Where is the Rhinoceros Party when you need it?