In a surprise move just hours before Canada’s first of two nationally televised leaders’ debates, the Green Party of Canada has officially been cut from the lineup — and the reason why may spark a debate of its own.
On April 16, the Leaders’ Debates Commission announced that it had rescinded the Green Party’s invitation to participate in both the French and English debates ahead of the April 28 election. The reason? The Greens don’t meet the minimum threshold of running candidates in 90% of ridings across the country.
In a press release issued Wednesday morning, the Commission explained that this rule isn’t just about numbers — it’s about proving a party has the “organizational strength to wage a political campaign and offer voters a viable electoral option nation-wide.”
In the 2019 federal election, the Greens ran candidates in all 338 federal ridings — the only party besides the Liberals and Conservatives to do so. In 2025, however, they’re fielding just 232 candidates. And that decision ultimately cost them a spot on the national stage.
“The inclusion of the leader of the Green Party of Canada in these circumstances would undermine the integrity of the debates and the interests of the voting public,” the Commission noted in its official release.
When and where to watch the 2025 federal leaders’ debates
If you’re still deciding how to cast your vote on April 28, the upcoming debates are your chance to see the frontrunners face off:
- French-language debate: Wednesday, April 16 at 6 p.m. ET, live from La Maison de Radio-Canada in Montreal. Moderated by Patrice Roy. Watch it on ICI Télé, ICI RDI, ICI Première, ICI TOU.TV, YouTube, Radio-Canada.ca, and the OHdio app.
- English-language debate: Thursday, April 17 at 7 p.m. ET, also in Montreal. Moderated by Steve Paikin of TVO. Watch it on CBC TV, CBC News Network, CBCNews.ca, CBC Gem, YouTube, CBC Radio One, and the CBC Listen app.
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