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1988 leaders' debate
Broadcast Date: Oct. 25, 1988
Free trade dominates the debate as Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, head of the Progressive Conservatives, takes on Liberal John Turner and Ed Broadbent of the New Democratic Party in a debate the issues of the 1988 election.
In addition to discussing the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the United States, considered the single most important issue of the campaign, they talk about issues important to women, including abortion, pay equity and a child care program.
1988 leaders' debate
• The 1988 election was held on November 21st. At dissolution there were 282 seats available in the House of Commons. After redistribution, 13 more ridings were added for a total of 295 eligible seats for this election.
• "In an extraordinary exchange between the federal party leaders the signing of the free trade agreement sparked a bitter argument over patriotism," reported the Globe & Mail. The heated exchange between Brian Mulroney and John Turner "was the high point of the three hour debate."
• The election results: Progressive Conservatives 169 seats, Liberals 83 and the New Democrats 43.
1988 leaders' debate
Medium: Television
Program: CBC Television News Special
Broadcast Date: Oct. 25, 1988
Guest(s): Ed Broadbent, Brian Mulroney, John Turner
Moderator: Rosalie Silberman Abella
Panellist: David Halton, Pamela Wallin, Doug Small
Duration: 2:56:24
Some technical difficulties occured during the original broadcast.
Last updated:
Sept. 29, 2008
1988 leaders' debate .
The CBC Digital Archives Website.
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Last updated: Sept. 29, 2008.
[Page consulted on Feb. 12, 2012.]