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Headline Politics
Government Announces Creation of Debates Commission
Democratic Institutions Minister Karina Gould holds a news conference on Parliament Hill to announce details about a new independent commission to organize party leaders' debates during federal election campaigns. The government has nominated former governor general David Johnston to be Canada's first debates commissioner. Johnston, who moderated televised leaders’ debates in 1979 and 1984, will organize two debates – one in each official language – in 2019. He will be supported by a seven-member advisory panel. The minister also announces criteria for parties to participate in debates. The 2018 federal budget set aside $5.5 million over two years to fund the commission. The Liberals had promised during the 2015 campaign to create an independent debates commission. (October 30, 2018) (no interpretation)