OTTAWA — The head of the federal Leaders’ Debates Commission has stated that the organization should no longer handle post-debate press conferences and that the rules for debate participation need to be reassessed. This admission follows criticism of the commission's decisions during the debate week of the April federal election campaign. Notably, the commission faced backlash for excluding the Green Party of Canada from the debates, altering the start time of the French debate due to a hockey game, and canceling scrums with reporters after the English debate.

During the question-and-answer sessions after the French-language debate, Rebel News and other right-wing media outlets dominated the discussions. Subsequently, the commission canceled a planned Q&A session with journalists and party leaders after the English debate, following tense exchanges between reporters and Rebel News representatives.

Michel Cormier, the executive director and interim debate commissioner, acknowledged the shortcomings of both the French and English debates during a parliamentary committee meeting in Ottawa. He stated, "I readily admit that there were shortcomings. And now, our desire is to really address these issues. There was definitely a perfect storm on the three elements you mentioned."

Bloc Québécois MP Christine Normandin highlighted that the commission's controversial decisions were made at the last minute, citing poor communication with political parties and security concerns. In his report, Cormier recommended that the commission should not be responsible for organizing post-debate press conferences or providing venues for them. However, he noted that the commission could continue to offer on-site accreditation and press rooms for the media.

Cormier also suggested revising the criteria for debate participation to align with the date when Elections Canada publishes its final list of confirmed candidates. The commission was established as an independent government entity in 2018 to oversee the rules and production of two nationally televised leaders’ debates during federal election campaigns. It determines which parties are represented on the debate stage and accredits media organizations to cover the events.

Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet called for the commission's abolition in May, criticizing the organization for wasting millions of dollars and labeling it as "between harmful and useless." He expressed frustration over not being able to address his constituents in French after the debate, stating that the conduct of the debates made the leaders appear foolish and allowed a few far-right activists to dominate an event meant to be a significant moment for democracy.

Prime Minister Mark Carney acknowledged the issues that arose during the debates, stating, "I think there is value though, in having an independent group that sets the terms of this."