Winnipeggers take in Munk debate during Politics at the Pub

By: Ashley Prest Posted: 9:41 PM CDT Monday, Sep. 28, 2015

The Winnipeg Branch of the Canadian International Council seized the moment to raise the profile of international affairs during Monday’s federal leaders’ debate on foreign policy.

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The Winnipeg Branch of the Canadian International Council seized the moment to raise the profile of international affairs during Monday’s federal leaders’ debate on foreign policy.

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This article was published 28/09/2015 (3975 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Winnipeg Branch of the Canadian International Council seized the moment to raise the profile of international affairs during Monday’s federal leaders’ debate on foreign policy.

The CIC hosted a public viewing of the televised debate — dubbed Politics at the Pub — at Jekyll & Hyde’s Freehouse and drew a crowd of politically savvy viewers.

The Munk Debate, broadcast live on the Cable Public Affairs channel (CPAC) and Shaw Channel 123, featured Conservative Leader Stephen Harper, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau and NDP Leader Tom Mulcair.

THE CANADIAN PRESS / Fred Thornhill
Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, left to right, Conservative Leader Stephen Harper and NDP Leader Tom Mulcair leave the stage following the Munk Debate on Canada's foreign policy in Toronto, on Monday, Sept. 28, 2015. — THE CANADIAN PRESS / Fred Thornhill Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, left to right, Conservative Leader Stephen Harper and NDP Leader Tom Mulcair leave the stage following the Munk Debate on Canada's foreign policy in Toronto, on Monday, Sept. 28, 2015.

“This debate was a great opportunity for our branch (of the CIC) to bring together some of the foreign policy-minded people in Winnipeg to discuss these very important issues,” said CIC president Brad Kirbyson.

Some issues debated included Canada’s role with Syrian refugees, terrorism and the Islamic State, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, climate change and northern issues and the Canada-U.S. relationship.

“I think it was really interesting how the Conservatives have kind of sat back and really let Mulcair and Trudeau go at each other. I’ve seen a lot of those two fighting while Harper just kind of sits back,” said Brayden McDonald, 20.

“I’ve heard of a strategy where the Conservatives would try to keep the vote divided between those two so they would keep their role as government. A landslide either way (to Liberal or NDP) could sink him (Harper). That being said, I think Mulcair held his stuff together a lot more than Trudeau has in that he’s brought more substance to the debate.”

Denys Volkov, 36, said the debate was important because foreign policy is a major issue in this federal election.

“The winners are Canadians because we can hear different opinions and perspectives from the different political parties,” said Volkov, who moved to Winnipeg from Ukraine 12 years ago.

“I was thrilled to hear all three leaders respond to questions about Ukraine. I just came back from Ukraine and the people of Ukraine that I talked to are very appreciative of our government’s efforts and help. Many people told me how much they appreciate what Canada is doing right now.”

ashley.prest@freepress.mb.ca