Up for Debate – Plan B

The Up for Debate campaign announced today that it has confirmation from four major parties to explore an alternative debate format to put women at the centre of Canada’s federal election campaign. It is still hoping for confirmation from the fifth.

Ann Decter, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the YWCA an Up For Debate campaign spokesperson, said: “We remain determined to put women's issues at the centre of this election.”

“It may not be the debate we first imagined – but an alternative can get all party leaders speaking on the record to issues that matter to women. And it will still be the first time that happens in 30 years.” 

Up for Debate has agreement from the New Democratic Party, the Greens, the Liberals and the Bloc to have leaders participate in one on one interviews, with questions focused exclusively on women.  The exclusive interviews will be released on September 21st at a live event at Toronto’s Isabel Bader Theatre, along with comment and analysis.

Up for Debate continues to urge leaders to put women's issues on the map throughout the entire election – in the other debates and on the campaign trail. Campaign supporters are also engaging candidates and the general public across the country to make sure that issues impacting women and girls are part of the national discussion in the lead-up to the election. 

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Notes:

The Up for Debate campaign is led by the Alliance for Women’s Rights, a non-partisan network of over 175 women’s rights, Indigenous, human rights, and international development organizations, faith-based and community groups, unions, and business associations. 

For further information contact:
Melanie Gallant
Media Relations
c) 613-240-3047
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