Mr. Speaker, this past weekend saw two leadership debates for the candidates seeking to lead both of Canada's national parties.
The Liberal debate was described as a “lacklustre Liberal lovefest”. The three candidates debated for less than an hour and agreed on virtually every issue. As the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Canadian Heritage have complained, their debate did not even allow them to challenge the member for Canada Steamship Lines.
In contrast, the PC leadership debate featured six candidates who debated each other vigorously for two full hours on the future of their party and the future of Canada. The real PC debate was a far more democratic process than the token Liberal event designed to protect the image of the heir apparent and stifle dissent. It is yet another example of a government adrift.
Even within the confines of their internal party race, major issues are ignored and old ideas are repackaged and spun as new. The Liberal Party is so bitterly divided that not even the member for LaSalle—Émard will be able to put humpty dumpty back together again.