Green Party Barred From Federal Leaders' Debates

The Green Party has been disqualified from participating in Canada's upcoming federal leaders' debates after the Leaders’ Debate Commission found the party intentionally nominated only 232 candidates out of 343 ridings, falling short of the required threshold. Green Party co-leader Jonathan Pedneault condemned the decision as 'unfounded' and 'undemocratic,' arguing it silences dissent and protects the political status quo. The party said its candidate reduction was a strategic move to avoid splitting the progressive vote and was also due to administrative challenges. The Commission stated that including the Greens would compromise the debates' integrity and public interest, maintaining its criteria were applied fairly. The exclusion has reignited debate over freedom of expression and fairness in the electoral process. The controversy arises as the April 28 federal election nears and polls show a tightening race between Liberals and Conservatives.