French debate moved to Wednesday over Habs game

Certain to come out on the losing end in a battle for television viewers, political parties have agreed to move the date of Thursday’s French language leader’s debate — and avoid a conflict with a Montreal Canadiens’ playoff game. Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe put the puck in motion, noting that hockey-mad voters are certain to pick a Habs game — and their anticipated showdown with archrival Boston Bruins — over the French debate. He sought the help of other party leaders in persuading the broadcast consortium that organizes the debates to move it to Wednesday. The English debate is scheduled for Tuesday. NDP Leader Jack Layton soon added his own voice to Duceppe’s appeal. Even though Stephen Harper is a hockey fan, the Conservatives tried to stay out of it, saying they’d let the consortium decide whether the debate date should be changed.