Leaders of the three main political parties are in seclusion today preparing for their face-off this evening. It is the second, and only other debate in this federal election campaign.
The two-hour encounter may be a turning point for many voters. National polls suggest the parties are caught in a three-way tie at this time. October 19th is election day.
Hosted by the Globe & Mail newspaper, one of Canada’s national newspapers, it is planned as a one-issue debate on the economy. The location is appropriate, as it is taking place where the economy has taken a beating.
Calgary, Alberta has been suffering the fall-out of the collapse of high oil prices. The high rise office buildings in the city-centre are becoming known as ‘ghost towers’ as companies have closed up and moved out in quick succession.
Stephen Harper, leader of the incumbent Conservative party, has campaigned on the economy, and is proposing a ‘stay-the-course’ approach. Liberal leader, Justin Trudeau, has said it is time to run deficits, for three years in order to stimulate the economy and rebuild infrastructure. And Tom Mulcair, leader of the left-leaning New Democratic Party, has vowed to balance the budget, but increase spending as well..
The debate will stream live on cbc.ca
Elizabeth May, leader of the Green Party, will not be on dias with the other three contenders, but she will participate by Twitter.
We’ll have more on the outcome tomorrow.
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