Canada's broadcast networks have agreed to include Green Party Leader Elizabeth May in the televised debates, after the Conservatives and New Democrats backed down from their initial opposition.
May said on CTV's Mike Duffy Live Wednesday that it was "inspiring that Canadians can't stand unfairness and I think that bodes well for the rest of the election."
"I'm just so grateful to Canadians," she told reporters earlier in a conference call. "This last couple of days proves that democracy doesn't happen behind closed doors.
"I think it's enormously encouraging."
Conservative Leader Stephen Harper and NDP Leader Jack Layton both reversed their opposition to the inclusion of May earlier Wednesday.
Layton was the first to back away from his previous position, saying he didn't want to keep "debating about the debate."
"As long as Stephen Harper takes part, I don't care who else is on the stage," he said Wednesday afternoon on his campaign bus.
Less than an hour later, Conservative representatives informed reporters that the Tories would not stand alone against May's inclusion.
The five networks in the consortium -- CTV, CBC, Radio-Canada, Global and TVA -- said May was excluded because some leaders threatened to boycott the debate if she was allowed to participate.
Jason MacDonald, the spokesperson for the consortium, told Mike Duffy Live that while the "broadcast networks couldn't compel the parties to participate, ultimately, the Canadian public could."
Both Harper and Layton had previously said May shouldn't be included because the Green leader has repeatedly said she would prefer Dion win the election instead of Harper.
Some commentators had also argued that May should first have an elected MP before she's allowed into the debates.
Both Harper and Layton said the first decision to exclude her was ultimately made by the consortium.
On Wednesday, Liberal Leader Stephane Dion accused the opposition leaders of "hiding themselves" behind the consortium.
"I cannot accept that Mr. Harper, Mr. Layton and Mr. Duceppe decided that Madame May will not be there," Dion said Wednesday during a news conference in Mississauga, Ont., about women's participation in politics.
Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe said he never threatened to back out of the debates. May noted that the Bloc were included in the debates before they had actually won any seats in Parliament.
"The Bloc had not actually elected any MPs at the point they were included," said May, adding that Gilles Duceppe had been elected as an independent in 1990.
The Bloc was included in both the English and French leader's debates during the 1993 election campaign.
"The Green Party of Canada is not only official, the Green Party of Canada has run full slates of candidates in two elections and is federally funded," said May.
She had earlier argued that she should be included because she is leading a distinct party and has candidates in 306 of 308 ridings. She also said she has no plans to endorse the Liberals but that realistically the election will boil down to Harper and Dion.
"I consistently say a minority with Stephane Dion as prime minister, with enough Greens to keep us on track for positive change . . . is the honest answer. And I'd take enough Greens and NDPers, for that matter," said May.
"Now if Jack Layton's honest answer to his constituents is he prefers Stephen Harper as prime minister -- which is exactly how he is constructing his strategy -- then he ought to explain that to his base."
The debates are set for Oct. 1 and 2 in Ottawa.
With files from The Canadian Press
