The consortium of television broadcasters has agreed to move up this week's French-language debate to avoid any competition with Thursday's first playoff game involving the Montreal Canadiens.

The English-language debate will take place Tuesday, ahead of the start of the NHL playoffs, while the French-language one will now take place Wednesday. The French-language debate was originally scheduled for Thursday, when Montreal will play against the Boston Bruins.

The Bloc Québécois first requested the new schedule, and all parties followed in agreement.

Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe pushed for the rescheduling saying “democracy should be placed ahead of ratings”.

“The French debate should be held on Wednesday,” Mr. Duceppe argued noting that the CBC which is required to carry Thursday’s hockey game will deprive viewers who want to watch the debate on the public network from doing so.

The Bloc Québécois leader noted that French and English-language debates in past elections were always held on back-to-back nights and said the broadcaster should return to this formula rather than impose a 48-hour delay.

NDP leader Jack Layton agreed with Mr. Duceppe arguing that holding the debate on the same night of the opener of the much anticipated playoff series would be unfair to hockey fans.

“We know what the majority of fans will decide,” Mr. Layton said. “We should seek the situation which can maximize the number of people who can participate in the democratic process.”

Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff was not opposed to rescheduling the French-language debate. The Conservatives however were indifferent, saying the final decision should be left-up to the consortium of broadcasters and adding that they would be present whatever the consortium decided.

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