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1984 debate on women's issues

Broadcast Date: Aug. 15, 1984

In 1984, the leaders of the country's three main political parties spar about abortion, daycare, equal pay, cutting the deficit and world peace. It's the first, and so far, only federal election debate on women's issues in Canadian history. This is the last of the 1984 election's three televised debates, with John Turner and Brian Mulroney playing it safe, with Mulroney staying mum on abortion and Turner afraid to make a gaffe. But NDP Leader Ed Broadbent fires away, his policies in sync with the feminist agenda.

This is the first half of this televised debate. The second half is currently unavailable due to technical issues.

1984 debate on women's issues

• The National Action Committee on the Status of Women (NAC) organized the 1984 debate on women's issues.  Over 2,000 women lined up for two hours outside the Royal York Hotel in Toronto to get into the live debate. 

• A theatre critic interviewed on CBC Television after the debate said Mulroney had the "best style," before labelling him "glib" and "superficial."  She said John Turner "tries too hard and looks like he doesn't expect anyone to believe him." Broadbent came across honestly, as "he wears the coat of his convictions."

1984 debate on women's issues

Medium: Television

Program: CBC Television News Special

Broadcast Date: Aug. 15, 1984

Guest(s): Ed Broadbent, Brian Mulroney, John Turner

Anchor: Peter Mansbridge
Host: Chaviva Hosek
Moderator: Caroline Andrew
Panellist: Kay Sigurjonsson, Eleanor Wachtel, Renée Rowan, Francine Harel-Giasson

Duration: 56:12

This clip is bilingual with English translation.

Last updated:
Oct. 8, 2008