Public Spending, Political Exclusion: Critics Raise Concern Over Leaders' Debate Commission

(Image courtesy CBC)

The publicly funded Leaders' Debate Commission has come under renewed scrutiny ahead of the 45th federal election, amid rising concerns over transparency, spending practices and limited participation.

Created by the Liberal government in 2018 by Order-in-Council, the Commission has spent $8.9 million over six years to stage televised leaders' debates during federal elections. Financial statements show average costs of approximately $4.5 million per election cycle.

Critics argue the Commission consolidates control among the country's largest political parties, sometimes referred to as "cartel parties," effectively sidelining smaller parties and independent voices. Observers highlight that while the Commission was promoted as a remedy for "partisan gamesmanship," its establishment without legislation and its opaque financial reporting have raised questions about its independence and accountability.

From Broadcast Networks to Public Purse

Televised leaders' debates have been a major part of Canadian elections since 1968, originally organized and funded by private broadcasters. In 1984, the formation of a Broadcast Consortium—including CBC, CTV, Global, Radio-Canada, and TVA—formalized this role.

The Consortium's influence declined sharply in 2015 when Prime Minister Stephen Harper refused participation, leading to fragmented debate events hosted by media outlets such as the Munk Debates and Maclean's. In response, the Liberal government under Justin Trudeau established the Leaders' Debate Commission, allocating $6 million in the 2018 budget to "improve Canadians' knowledge" of party platforms.

Significant Costs, Sparse Details

Despite being created to organize debates during elections, the Commission operates year-round. From 2019 to 2024, it spent $2.8 million on salaries and benefits, an average of $466,000 annually. Additional costs include $2.3 million under "professional and special services" and $3.5 million on "information," whatever that means. Both categories lack detailed explanations, and the Commission has not provided Coastal Front with a comment.

Advisory board members receive $450 per day plus expenses. The Commissioner's daily compensation is authorized between $675 and $800. The latest Commission report recommends legislative entrenchment of its mandate.

Exclusion Through Criteria

Participation criteria established by the Commission require parties to meet two of three standards: holding a seat in the House of Commons at dissolution; polling at four percent nationally; or running candidates in 90 percent of ridings.

For the 2025 debates, leaders of the Liberal Party, Conservative Party, NDP and Bloc Québécois qualified. The Green Party, initially eligible, was later excluded after reducing its number of candidates, deemed by the Commission to undermine "party viability." The People's Party failed to meet polling thresholds despite nearly full candidate slates.

Even before 2015, the Consortium faced criticism for its inconsistent decisions regarding participant inclusion. For example, in 2008, it permitted Green Party Leader Elizabeth May to take part—reportedly after she threatened legal action—but denied her inclusion in 2011.

Both debates took place at Maison de Radio-Canada in Montreal, with the French-language debate on April 16 and the English-language debate on April 17. Moderators Patrice Roy and Steve Paikin presided over the French and English events, respectively.

Themes and Criticisms

Debate themes included cost of living, energy and climate, public safety, trade wars, and national leadership—with slight variations between the French and English sessions.

While the Commission boasts increased accessibility through multi-language broadcasts and sign language interpretation, critics argue that expanding viewership fails to address the exclusion of non-establishment parties. They suggest that the debates serve as marketing platforms reinforcing the political status quo rather than forums for genuine democratic deliberation.