For awareness of Canada’s role in the world, the winner of last night’s debate was Green Party Leader Elizabeth May. Watch the video below to find out more:
May was voted the best on global issues by the vast majority of students who watched the debate with us last night at SFU (with CTV’s camera crews in attendance). A few key moments that I suspect contributed to this perception:
- When PM Stephen Harper called Afghanistan a UN mission, May was quick to correct him, pointing out that it is a NATO mission (sanctioned by the UN, but that’s a different thing).
- May talked enthusiastically about the 0.7% target for aid to developing countries and the rallying cry “make poverty history” (this provoked a cheer from some members of our audience).
- She tied the preservation of public health care in Canada to conditions created by NAFTA.
- More than once, she cited an OECD report (the Economic Survey of Canada, 2008) that suggests environmental taxes would be beneficial to Canada. (Note that there’s a debate on the accuracy of her use of this report).
This illustrates an important point that I try to make when I talk about Canada’s role in the world: we don’t just mean what Canada does out there beyond our borders, but also how the global context affects us and our policies, providing both challenges and learning opportunities. With her references to NAFTA and the OECD May showed an awareness of that global context. She’s getting close to what I’d want in a leader: someone whose default setting is to think globally and not to be parochial.
Most mainstream media outlets said the debate was either too close to call or won by Prime Minister Harper, but noted May’s unexpected success. The National Post (of all things) had this to say:
In comparison with other leaders, May brought a calm, number- and fact-referencing persona to the debate and politely corrected leaders as to the “facts” (though many as she saw them). For many Canadians who look at the political landscape and see the same old players locked in a seemingly eternal stalemate, May brought a fresh face to the stage for Canadians to consider [...] May scored an impressive victory for her cause.
MORE COMMENTARY ON MAY’S PERFORMANCE IN THE DEBATE:
The Globe and Mail: “‘A star is born’ in Elizabeth May: pollster“
CTV: “Style versus substance? Expert critiques the leaders“
Toronto Star: “Harper still winning with math“
The Calgary Herald: “Dion’s strong showing wasn’t quite enough“
The Ottawa Citizen: “Whack a Tory”
The Ottawa Sun: “No knock-out punches thrown in mud wrestling match“
The Vancouver Sun: “Harper fends off leaders’ barbs with diplomacy“
Did I miss any important coverage? Are all these people crazy? Leave a comment and let me know.
~ Reilly
Tagged: Canadian federal election, canadian federal election 2008, canadian foreign policy, Elizabeth May, green party, leaders debate
