Canada federal election Oct. 2
CBC News will bring you the latest news from the campaign trail in our live blog every weekday from now until election day, Oct. 19.
3rd & 7 37yd
3rd & 7 37yd
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Good morning! It's debate day - the last debate of the campaign.
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Tonight's French-language debate is being organized by the Quebec network TVA, and will feature NDP Leader Tom Mulcair, Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe, Conservative Leader Stephen Harper and Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau. The Green Party's Elizabeth May was not invited.
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I may do the next 17 days on no sleep. I'm thinking about it. #elxn427:37 AM - 02 Oct 2015
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The NDP has slipped in Quebec, making the last leaders' debate crucial for all parties:
Final leaders' debate could be a game changer in volatile Quebec
The NDP is sinking in the polls, particularly in Quebec, where it has been hit hard over its support for the niqab at citizenship ceremonies. The final leaders' debate, on the French-language TVA network, could be make or break time for each of three main parties vying to win on Oct. 19. -
- Canadian Press
The Liberals and NDP have been locked in a tit-for-tat war of words over their spending promises, whether it be how much the former would spend on First Nations education or the finer details of the latter's fiscal plan.
Some accusations say various numbers are misleading, or even outright lies; others suggest that promised revenues are overly generous, or that spending promises are too small to meet their stated goals.
It's enough to baffle any voter trying to make a difficult decision in a narrow, three-way race.
However, all those attacks and counter-attacks could evaporate in a moment if either party has a chance to follow through on a pledge to give more teeth to the parliamentary budget officer.
Those extra teeth would give the parliamentary budget officer the mandate to evaluate the costing of each party's platforms, removing some of the partisan spin that muddies the water during an election campaign.
An additional proposed measure to open up government spending would level the playing field even further, eliminating a political advantage for the incumbent party, which knows the fine details of government finances.
Gone would be the days where an opposition party takes over power, only to later claim that the outgoing party booby-trapped the books.
Sahir Khan, a former assistant parliamentary budget officer, described the promises as a political "game-changer for more open and transparent government." - Canadian Press
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If it succeeds, this deal will form a trading block representing roughly 40 per cent of the world's gross domestic product.
Trans-Pacific Partnership: 6 questions answered
What is this Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal? Should you care? Does it affect your vote? We try to explain what we know, and don't know, about the talks in Atlanta that will impact Canada. -
- Canadian Press
Come federal election time in Quebec, it's all about the bloc.
In almost every federal election for the last 100 years, one party -- be it the Liberals, the Bloc Quebecois, the NDP or the Progressive Conservatives -- has won a large majority of the province's seats.
The NDP had its turn in 2011, winning 59 of Quebec's 75 ridings, propelling the party to official Opposition status for the first time.
Indeed, the voting habits of Quebecers are an example of a "group consciousness" that is similar to those of other minority groups in countries such as Spain, Britain and Germany, said Jon Pammett, a political science professor at Ottawa's Carleton University.
"There is a desire often to search for the alternative where that group consciousness can be expressed to its maximum impact, whatever that is," said Pammett, co-editor of "The Canadian Federal Election of 2011," a compendium of academic articles on the vote from four years ago. - Canadian Press
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Trudeau has faced months of attacks from both the Conservatives and the NDP that use some variation of the "He's just not ready" tag line, which has struck a chord with some voters. Thus, it is no surprise that one of the most asked questions about him on Google before the current campaign was: "What are Justin Trudeau's accomplishments?"
Justin Trudeau: 5 most Googled questions
CBC News delivers answers to the 5 most Googled questions about Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau in the lead up to election day on Oct. 19. -
- Canadian Press
New Democrats will unveil an election platform on Friday geared specifically to Toronto and its surrounding suburbs -- a vote-rich region of the country that could determine who wins onOct. 19.
The platform, entitled "Building a Better Toronto," is based on the NDP's national platform but highlights the policies the party believes will most resonate with Torontonians.
"This great city, with the surrounding municipalities that make up the GTA (Greater Toronto Area), is the economic engine of our country," Toronto NDP incumbent Peggy Nash says in a news release to be issued later Friday.
"We need a government in Ottawa that understands that."
The platform takes some of the promises from the NDP's national platform and breaks down what it would mean for Toronto.
For instance, it promises $12.9 billion over 20 years for Toronto transit infrastructure. And it promises to create 165,000 $15-a-day child care spaces in the city.
It also highlights promises to reverse health care cuts, create a cap-and-trade system to fight climate change, support arts and culture, make post-secondary education more accessible, reduce thebacklog in immigration applications and repeal the Conservative government's controversial anti-terrorism law.
"Ours is an ambitious, progressive plan for a better future, building a city that is greener, fairer and a better place to live for all of us," Andrew Cash, another NDP incumbent in Toronto, says in the release. - Canadian Press
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"People like me'", eh? Let's just assume @jkenney means 'thoughtful people', shall we? - Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi
Nenshi's niqab dispute with Kenney troubles Notley
Alberta Premier Rachel Notley says she's concerned "minority-rights" issues like the niqab are being played up in the federal election campaign and prompting a dispute between Calgary's mayor and a high-profile Conservative candidate. -
NDP Leader Tom Mulcair is speaking on Montreal morning television now.
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Mulcair says Stephen Harper doesn't care about aboriginal murdered and missing women.
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Mulcair is taking questions from Breakfast Television's viewers.
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Mulcair speaking again about the need for de-radicalization at home.
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Mulcair says NDP will be a "clear, strong voice for peace."
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Asked about working with the Liberals in Parliament, Mulcair says Stephen Harper "is the adversary."
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So I am abruptly and arbitrarily declaring a winner in the Rename Supply Management contest: @CochraneCBCNL for “Lactosa Nostra.”10:23 PM - 01 Oct 2015
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Recent polls have sent contradictory signals about the race. One put the Liberal way ahead while another put the Conservative in front in a tight three-way race.
Liberals, NDP say Central Nova wants change in Peter MacKay's absence
Peter MacKay's departure has created political opportunity in Central Nova and his party has turned to a political operative with Nova Scotia roots to try and hold the seat. -
What does [TPP] mean for Canada? A lot. With both Mexico and the U.S. part of the deal, this will replace NAFTA.
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Watch the video in the previous post to get a sense of TPP, then watch The National's At Issue panel break down what it means for the federal parties during this election campaign:
It's a Hail Mary, but at this point what else have [the NDP] got to lose.
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We do need to be, as a public, forgiving of our politicians.
Social media scandals point to a bland political future
Intense scrutiny on social media profiles of federal election candidates has resulted in a handful of resignations. But if the only way to political success is a squeaky clean past, is the public being robbed of all but the dullest of politicians? -
I'd prefer both parties in this transaction see it ... less as a clash of hard rights and move to the more hospitable terrains of courtesy and respect.
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There were duelling letters released: one from Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall that was very supportive of the TPP, and one from the Ontario government sounding the alarm bell.
Trans-Pacific Partnership talks spotlights Canada's east-west divide
From the Liberal governments of eastern Canada, it's consternation. From a western Conservative premier, however, the prospect of Canada reaching a historic trade deal elicits celebration. -
Our post to our Facebook page and some of the comments it generated:
Trudeau pledges to work on pot legalization policy 'right away' if electedBut says he doesn't know when legalization would actually take effect.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/trudeau-pot-marijuana-legalization-timeline-1.3252088CBC Newsvia Facebook at 10:30 PM yesterday
Has he nothing better to do than start work on pot legalization as soon as he gets into office??
Dian Andersonvia Facebook at 10:42 PM yesterday
Legalizing means money and jobs for our people, saving money on criminalizing people for marijuana when justice wise they aren't criminals for having marijuana
Cops should be focusing on hard drugs, gangs, murderers, thieves, and rapists, actually criminalsChun Yui Kovia Facebook at 10:41 PM yesterday
I think you all are really mis-informed on What legalizing could really mean for Canada. I have lived in Colorado and have seen the complete benefit of legalization in so many ways, which is the whole reason Trudeau will have my vote. Let's start with job creation. I could go on and on about the economy and how it has created thousands of jobs in venues such as Dispensaries, grow & agriculture, Universities, hospitals, government, Finance & accounting, restaurants, hotels, pubs & lounges...etc but instead, I will tell you that personally I would rather see the government regulate and tax the stuff and have it safely sold, rather than all that money in the hands of gangs and criminals. People are going to smoke the stuff anyways, we may as well have the benefit of making money from tourism and the general public. Pick your poison, so many of us drink more than the recommended serving of alcohol and many people still smoke cigarettes. it is healthier than alcohol and you can buy it many methods now(edible and Vape). Many people do not know that one of Canada's largest exports is already Cannabis, why not sell it globally and reap the benefits? If 7 million people that live in Colorado alone can create millions and millions in tax revenue for the state, imagine what our entire country can do!! One more thing...it is an earth friendly and totally renewable resource that we can grow for years to come...something that oil may not be able to keep up with
Crystal-Lee Kachidianvia Facebook at 10:37 PM yesterday
Hemp means jobs. Hemp can produce up to 4X the paper products compared with the equivalent wood pulp. The tax dollars brought in from all levels from farm to retail sales, as well as the tax dollars saved through marijuana enforcement laws that will become invalid, that will easily be in the billions annually.
Bryan Christophervia Facebook at 10:56 PM yesterday
All decriminalization will do is allow the pot heads to be pot heads. Adding strain on our medical system and economy (burnt out lazy stoners).
Legalizing it is definitely the way to go, at least then we can collect tax revenue off it. I think Justin's plan is better then the NDPs, although it is pretty low on the priority list.
Harpers plan of just keeping it how it is would be better then the NDPs. Drug dealers would make more profits if it is only decriminalized and have an easier time skirting the distribution laws by keeping small amounts on them.
Keep it illegal or legalize it are the only two real options.Jason Kellyvia Facebook at 11:08 PM yesterday
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Given Ontario's rigorous ID requirements, Mr. Dykstra had no reason to believe anyone in the establishment was underage.
Conservative incumbent Rick Dysktra denies buying vodka for teens at nightclub
A longtime Conservative is denying a report that suggests he knowingly bought hundreds of dollars of alcohol for underage girls at a nightclub last month. -
Here's a sampling of what some of the parties' official Twitter accounts are saying:Spoke to a packed rally of supporters of my colleague, Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe #Conservative candidate Robert Goguen http://t.co/0NItr41XX510:33 PM - 01 Oct 2015
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Canada is lucky to have #peoplelikeNenshi who stand up to the politics of fear & division. Thank you @nenshi for joining this conversation.7:08 PM - 01 Oct 2015- Reply
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Only the #NDP has a plan to address the affordability crisis in post-secondary education. #Ready4Change http://t.co/RqlLKqZHIY8:56 AM - 02 Oct 2015- Reply
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Le #BlocQc réitère son engagement pour le maintien intégral de la gestion de l’offre https://t.co/MpjL7yc1Pw #Elxn42 https://t.co/8mWPYnJsLo4:01 PM - 01 Oct 2015- Reply
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We will relieve debt for students and their families, and abolish tuition fees by 2020. http://t.co/Kvgfl1XKnB http://t.co/V3zIdysUK910:01 PM - 01 Oct 2015- Reply
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The NDP said it raised the money from more individual donors than any other party has ever achieved in a three-month period, at 64,145.
NDP says $9M raised in 3rd quarter a Canadian record — for now
The New Democratic Party said Thursday it raised more than $9 million between July 1 and Sept. 31, surpassing the old quarterly record of $8.2 million set by the Conservative Party in the runup to the 2011 federal election. -
From the CBC Vault:
Pearson teases his younger fans about school holidays, St. Laurent gives out chicken wings, and Layton dances around with a young entertainer, all in the hopes of interacting with the next generation of voters. -
I'm told Stephen Harper will hold his NL campaign event in Bay Roberts tomorrow at a cold storage facility. #nlpoli11:02 AM - 02 Oct 2015
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I don't know if he's sleeping, but he should get up and come and talk about what he wants to do. - Conservative candidate Stephen Hébert
From CBC North:Romeo Saganash misses debate due to family emergency
After missing an early-morning debate Thursday at Radio-Canada, NDP candidate Romeo Saganash is taking a break from the campaign trail to deal with a family emergency. -
Jason Kenney now speaking in Dartmouth, N.S., about the Conservative's shipbuilding plan.
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Jason Kenney touts shipbuilding benefits for cabling business in burnside that got $ 10 million contract fr Irving http://t.co/0IE4Su3LUq11:29 AM - 02 Oct 2015
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Jason Kenney re-affirms Irving will build the warships for Navy . Adds timeline " "beginning mid 2020s". http://t.co/gqOPcXTuyF11:31 AM - 02 Oct 2015
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Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau looks out over the Montreal skyline with local candidates Marc Miller, Rachel Bendayan and Marwah Rizgy. (Paul Chiasson/Canadian Press)
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Conservative Jason Kenney calls past Liberal cuts to military "Decade of Darkness". Claims the ships contract will create 15,000 jobs /30 yr11:33 AM - 02 Oct 2015
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Announcement with Tory candidates Chris Alexander and Kellie Leitch underway. Kenney's event continues.
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Alexander and Leitch's announcement is about increased crackdown on "barbaric cultural practices."
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Alexander says Canadians "want their citizenship to be protected" which is why they object to the niqab at citizenship ceremonies.
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I must be a little slow but don't think there is any new in the announcement by Def Minister Jason Kenny in Dartmouth http://t.co/RVekP0HFbk11:32 AM - 02 Oct 2015
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I don't know why the debate is Niqab is happening the majority of Canadians including Muslim agree with us http://t.co/D23i1bSjVb11:43 AM - 02 Oct 2015
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Jason Kenny taking shots at J Trudeau but no mention of Muclair at an election stop in Dartmouth today http://t.co/qYqNIZ141H11:47 AM - 02 Oct 2015
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Kenney reaffirms Conservatives would build 11-15 warships starting in mid 2020s . Acknowledges there may be fewer if costs go up/$ runs out11:57 AM - 02 Oct 2015
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A re-elected Tory government would create a targeted program to prevent forced marriages in conflict zones, especially among girls displaced by war. There will be $12M over four years, with the first year of funding going directly to girls affected by conflict in Iraq and Syria.Announced, w @KellieLeitch, new measures that a re-elected @CPC_HQ would take to fight barbaric cultural practices http://t.co/nzJiplWbrJ12:01 PM - 02 Oct 2015
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Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee #elxn42 http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CQUkkpaWoAEJAEV.jpg
by Rosemary Barton via twitter 10/2/2015 3:15:36 PM