ACTION ALERT: Submit a question for the leaders debate, Oct. 1-2

Writer (and chapter activist) Murray Dobbin has recently written, “We have been presented with an opportunity to influence the questions that will be asked in the TV debates. The organizers of the two television debates are asking Canadians to send in their suggestions for questions.” He highlights, "The public is being encouraged to submit questions (in their own words) for the leader's debates at question@electiondebate08.ca.”

As noted in a recent media release, “The French language debate will be held at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa on Wednesday, October 1st, from 8 to 10 p.m. EDT. The moderator will be Stephan Bureau, a journalist and host. The English language debate will follow the next evening, October 2nd, at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa from 9 to 11 p.m. EDT. The moderator will be Steve Paikin of TVO. The debates will be broadcast live by a consortium representing Canada's largest English and French Television networks: CBC, Radio-Canada, CTV, Global and TVA.”

The issue areas Murray suggests are:

1. Medicare (including a NAFTA chapter 11 challenge by an American investor): The analysis of the NAFTA challenge suggests that it is only possible because provinces like BC (where the challenge is focused) are eroding the ‘public monopoly’ which had provided some protection in NAFTA. As privatization increases, the protection afforded by the monopoly status is weakened. A question could ask what the party leaders would do to tighten up enforcement of the Canada Health Act to prevent further challenges.

2. The Afghan war/ occupation: The issue seems to have been taken out of the picture by Harper’s flip flop on a fixed withdrawal date. But it is now revealed that the cost of the war will be at least $22 billion. Also, while getting out in 2011 might sound okay, that is 40 more months of war-fighting - compared to just 30 months so far in that role. This means a death toll very likely much higher than the 97 already killed. Now that Harper has set a date for complete withdrawal (not just out of Kandahar) the question arises – Given the 2011 date is arbitrary and we can’t win this war - would you take Canadian troops out of an impossible combat role earlier than 2011?

3. Corporate self-regulation (especially food safety, but also airline safety, pesticide residue, and more): The obvious question for each leader: Would you return Canada to a vigorous system of government regulation based on the precautionary principle?

4. An impending deficit due entirely to Harper’s irresponsible $60 billion tax cuts of last fall: Would the leaders cancel the schedule (through to 2012) of tax cuts for high income Canadians and corporations established by the current government last fall?