Monday's Federal Debate was Outstanding

[River_God]

Everybody seemed to agree that the format of Monday’s Federal debate was fantastic. The two-hour, non-stop debate was expertly moderated and, though not exhaustive, gave all parties the opportunity to clearly explain their views. A series of 4 to 10 debates of this caliber, in future elections, will vastly improve our ability to intelligently choose future governments.

Paul Martin opened up the debate by promising to reform our constitution to prevent any future government from abusing its powers, and overriding the rule of law in Canada. This would further protect all future Canadians basic rights to have free speech, freedom of conscience and freedom from abusive discrimination. It would also guarantee that we have an independent media and open debates on all future legislation.

All the candidates, however, acknowledged that changes were needed to ensure that more Canadians were eager to exercise their right to vote.

Harper continually advanced his agenda for creating more accountability in the Federal Government. Martin, recently assaulted by Government scandals, would have done well to support the best parts of Harper's proposal. Harper has some good ideas and there is no reason why partisanship should prevent Martin from openly endorsing them.

Jack Layton explained that the NDP was willing to work with all political parties to improve Health Care and Education, and to ensure that less wealthy Canadians also have a very bright future.

Gilles Duceppe debated constructively with Layton, Martin and Harper, while maintaining his steadfast support for Quebec. Duceppe complained about shortfalls in federal transfer payments to Quebec and articulated his goal of separating into a Canadian Union that is similar to the European Union. Duceppe, however, wouldn’t allow small English sections of Quebec to join the rest of English Canada. This point was not debatably extensively. It is clear, however, that few people would want every city, oilfield and goldmine to become an autonomous section of a Canadian Union.

Martin, Layton and, at times, Harper, articulated their desire to only have one Canada. Martin was emphatic that by helping each other, Canadians have the brightest future in the world.

Hopefully all four of these guys can work together constructively during the next term. They all have good ideas. Future steps should probably be taken, however, to eliminate incentives for partisanship to trump good judgment.