Opinion: Why Quebec needs an English-language leaders’ debate

It’s an opportunity to demonstrate that they aspire to govern all Quebecers, not only those watching in French.

Quebec’s next premier will govern nearly 9 million people. Among them are more than a million English-speaking Quebecers, people who raise families, build businesses and contribute to every aspect of Quebec society. They deserve the opportunity to hear directly from those asking for their vote.

Yet once again, there will be no English-language leaders’ debate in this provincial election.

The consortium of Quebec’s English-language media organizations stood ready to host one, as it did successfully in 2018. But after the governing Coalition Avenir Québec and the Parti Québécois declined to participate, and the Quebec Liberal Party indicated it would only attend if all five major parties were present, the debate was cancelled before a single question could be asked.