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yesterday

Green Party, Leaders’ Debates Commission Settle Court Fight Over 2025 Debate Exclusion

The quiet deal ends the Greens’ court challenge over their last-minute removal from the spring leaders’ debates.

Elizabeth May and Jonathan Pedneault pose for a portrait in March, 2025. Pedneault, who was the co-leader at the time, was unable to be included in a debate after the Green party's participation was revoked.
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Green Party leader Elizabeth May and former co-leader Jonathan Pedneault, shown here at news conference in March, were excluded from participating in federal election debates last spring.

Overview

  • The commission posted a brief statement Tuesday announcing a mutual settlement that resolves the Green Party’s judicial-review application.
  • No terms or remedies were disclosed, and the commission said it would not comment further on the agreement.
  • The Greens were removed hours before the April 16 French-language debate, preventing then co-leader Jonathan Pedneault from participating.
  • The commission had said the party failed two of three participation conditions; despite initial approval, only 232 candidates were formally nominated, short of roughly 309 needed for 90 percent of ridings.
  • In court filings, the Greens alleged procedural unfairness and sought the documents the commission used, while party leaders publicly offered differing reasons for running a short slate.