People’s Party of Canada Leader Maxime Bernier has secured an invitation Monday to two official leaders’ debates in October.
Bernier had previously been denied a chance to attend because the independent commission responsible for organizing the debates found his party did not have multiple candidates with a “legitimate chance” of being elected.
But former governor general and current debates commissioner David Johnston gave the party more time to make its case for inclusion.
And on Monday, Johnston said that given new evidence, the People’s Party of Canada does in fact have a “reasonable chance” at winning multiple seats.
“With the benefit of more recent information, I am of the view that the PPC has attracted a significant number of party members, has established a notable presence in the media and on the political landscape and, based on recent polling data, has achieved a reasonable chance of success in more than one riding,” said Johnston.
“All of these factors together enable the PPC to satisfy two of the criteria established in our Order in Council.”
Bernier will join the leaders of the Liberals, Conservatives, NDP and Greens in two debates: an event in English on Oct. 7 and a French-language debate Oct. 10.
“I’m very pleased with Mr. Johnston’s decision,” Bernier said in a statement posted on social media.
“Canadians will be able to look at all the options.”
The PPC is fielding candidates in all seven Vancouver Island ridings.
With files from Canadian Press
CHEK News
