How debates work?

Will there be debates?

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Yes!  Watch them on TV or online, on news sites on even streamed on social media.  Not only can it be fun to watch politicians test each other, but it can be helpful to get a feel for what the leaders are like. After all, one of them will end up being the next Prime Minister of Canada, and they will be accountable for what they said at the podium. 

The all-party leaders’ debates organized by the Leaders’ Debates Commission will take place Oct. 7 (English) and Oct. 10 (French).

 

Top 10 Reasons to watch a debate

  • 10. You’re busy.

    It’s hard to keep up. If you do one thing, let this be it. Take two hours learn about the issues and the candidates so you can make an informed decision

  • 9. It’s a chance to hear directly from the leaders: unedited and unfiltered

  • 8. It’s a trusted source of information

    (and these days it’s hard to know what to trust)

  • 7. It’s a window into the world of others:

    To learn about people across the country, and what matters to them

  • 6. It’s what everyone will be talking about.

    Think: coffee break cramming session

  • 5. It’s a chance to come together: to experience the same thing at the same time

  • 4. You’ll have your ideas challenged

  • 3. You’ll have your ideas validated

  • 2. You’ll learn something new

  • 1. Making an informed, confident decision is part of a thriving democracy

 

Tips on How to Watch a Debate

  • Before the debate, think about what you want to get out of it. Are you watching to learn about the candidates as people, or about their policies? Or...for entertainment!?

  • Debaters will get your attention by referencing news headlines. Check out the news before the debates to see what’s up.

  • Make a list of the issues that matter to you. Who knows, a candidate might say something that changes your mind!

  • You’ll have more fun and learn more if you watch with a group. Invite a diverse group of thinkers - friends, family, neighbours - to a debate watching party or public viewing!

  • We’re betting it won’t be long before clips from a debate become a meme! You can use social media to see how other people across the country are reacting. Track hashtags like #elxn43 (it’s our 43rd federal election!) and #cdnpoli to see what people are thinking.

  • Coverage of the candidates may be shaped by their identities like age, race, and gender. Ask yourself if leaders are being presented fairly or with bias.

  • Keep in mind that the debates on TV only include the party leaders. Check your community news to see if there’s a debate or townhall for your local candidates.