We asked a UNBC Poli Sci Professor what he thought about last nights leaders debate

The first televised debate of Election 2015 is in the books, and MyPGNow talked to a local expert for some insight.

UNBC Political Science Professor Dr Gary Wilson says Prime Minister Harper was on the defensive for much of the night, but says he held the fort well.

“There was one point where he agreed with Tom Mulcair about Canada being in a recession. I think that is what the media picked up on as sort of a turning point within the debate but it wasn’t a mortal blow.”

Wilson says that Thomas Mulcair stumbled out of the gate, but gained traction and sounded more and more Prime Ministerial as the debate went on.

He was also happy with Justin Trudeau

“There were fairly low expectations for Trudeau coming into this debate. I think he had to make an impact or some kind of impression which I think he did; he was very strong in the first debate, which was on the economy. I think he did the best off all the candidates on that section.”

Many people online were very happy with Green Party leader Elizabeth May’s performance. Wilson agreed that May had a good night using facts to make her points when she could get a word in. But he thinks this election could be an uphill battle for the Greens.

“This could be one of those strategic elections where voters who want to get rid of the current government say, ‘If I vote for the Green Party it may not lead to anything, but I may have to target my vote at another party in order to get rid of this government .’”

As for the impact of last nights debate on the campaign, Wilson says debates in recent years have been less and less important.

“Candidates have been very guarded about what they say, and very concerned about opening themselves up for those deadly body blows. They’ve been a little bit more, I wouldn’t say boring but there haven’t been those telling moments that might affect a campaign.”

He also raised questions about how many people even watched the debate, given that it wasn’t on a major national network like the CBC.

As for Northern BC, Wilson says the heavy attention LNG and pipelines got in the debate should be encouraging for Northerners. He says it shows that the leaders in Ottawa are paying attention to what is happening in the region.