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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions

ABOUT 100 DEBATES

What are you hoping to achieve with 100 Debates?

Debates are often seen as defining moments in elections. As we saw when we did this in the 2019 Federal Election, holding 100 debates nationwide cuts through the noise and puts the environment front and centre at a time when it matters most. These debates demonstrate citizens’ support for environmental issues and have a lasting impact on policy. Candidates will be challenged to put their best ideas forward and voters will be empowered to hold future MPs accountable for those ideas. MPs consistently and vividly recall the issues raised at all-candidates’ debates, which can translate into policy gains once a government is formed. Coordinated, large-scale, issue-based, debates like this can generate enough attention to directly impact voter and party priorities.



Who are you working with to organize local debates?

We are working with a wide range of individuals and organizations in ridings across the country, from non-profit community groups to faith-based organizations, teachers and students to businesses. The debates are strictly non-partisan, so all organizations that we are working with must be as well. This means we are not working with organizations that have endorsed or rejected a candidate or party or who are actively affiliated with any candidate or party.



Candidates have a lot of pressures on their time during a campaign. Why would they get involved in a single-issue debate?

Polling shows that, even as we continue to deal with the impact of Covid-19, the environment remains a top priority for Canadians coast-to-coast, and one that directly intersects other voter priorities, like healthcare, the economy and government spending. Candidates consistently show up when they see that their constituents care.



Who is behind this project?

GreenPAC is coordinating the 100 Debates initiative for the Sustainability Network, a national charitable organization. We are supporting a range of organizations across sectors who are leading their local debate to help get the word out.



What is GreenPAC’s role if debates are being planned locally?

GreenPAC is coordinating the 100 Debates project nationally for the Sustainability Network, a national charitable organization. Our team is finding debate hosts, liaising with each major party to ensure they are looped into the project, building resources to help organizers run successful debates and engaging national media. We will also share debate recordings afterward.



How can I get involved?

There are lots of ways to support this initiative. You can:

  • Spread the word about the debates to your community to encourage anyone interested in holding a debate to reach out to GreenPAC to get involved
  • Helping find organizers in key ridings (e.g. where you have a strong base)
  • Volunteer to help support and coordinate debates already happening in your network
  • Volunteer with GreenPAC to support and coordinate organizers
  • Get the world out on social media
  • Encourage your community/followers to attend debates in their ridings
We encourage everyone to recruit friends, family, local organizations and interested individuals. It will make the project more fun and will lead to better results!



ORGANIZER QUESTIONS

Do I need previous experiencing organizing a debate or similar event?

No! We'll provide you with all the tools you need, no matter what your experience level is.



What resources will be available to help me organize my debate?

The web portal for organizers will include resources to help organizers including:

  • A debate-day checklist
  • Media templates and strategy
  • Promotional materials
  • Brand materials such as the 100 Debates logo for public use
  • Debate format and moderator’s handbook
Need something you can’t find? Let us know by emailing 100debates@greenpac.ca.



How do I become an organizer?

Sign up here!



Why should I become an organizer?

Becoming a 100 Debates Organizer will allow you to:

  • Join a nation-wide network of environmental changemakers
  • Connect with and get to know your next Member of Parliament, their staff and their volunteer teams.
  • Better understand the environmental positions and values of the candidates in your riding.
  • Provide a public service to all Canadian citizens in your riding, helping them better understand their election day options and who they might best like to serve them.
  • Deeply and easily engage your community on environmental issues.
  • Secure local media coverage and raise the profile of your organization and/or the issues you work on or care about.
  • Work out your advocacy muscles. Set yourself, your community, and your organization up for long-term changemaking success on environmental issues.