Lack of English-language debate in Quebec disappoints some anglophone voters

Some anglophone voters in Quebec are expressing disappointment that there will be no English-language leaders’ debate ahead of the provincial election after major parties declined to participate.

Advocates say an English-language debate would give Quebec’s English-speaking community an opportunity to hear directly from party leaders on issues affecting them and would help ensure their concerns are represented during the campaign.

Supporters are urging the leaders to reconsider their decision, arguing that the absence of a debate risks leaving anglophone voters feeling excluded from the democratic process. TALQ President Eva Ludvig calls it disappointing. “We are talking about important things where you need to hear the nuance, then it’s important to hear your own language.”

Parties that opposed participating have argued that Quebec’s only official language is French and that the French-language debates remain the primary forum for reaching the province’s electorate. Listen to the whole story by clicking on the button below.