The format for the show was to have PR main proponents for lifting the Oil and Gas Moratorium (Bill Belsey & Dave McGuigan) defend their implicit development model:
the substitution oil extraction for fishing used in eastern Canadian economic revival (Hibernia)

Opposing this vision of “Lotto 49 Jackpot” economics was first the social/environmental spokespeople Debbie Jeffrey (Tsimshian Tribal Council) and Jennifer Lash (Living Oceans),

The second wave of critics (Joy Thorkelson UFAWU & Dale Marshall Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives spoke from ‘traditional left’ perspective: unions and ‘big corporations’

The third segment allowed people from audience to challenge speakers or just comment (some observers called it “posturing”

Survivors

From perspective of my seat in audience the “show” was not as satisfying as the CBC Radio debate – some people simply spoke too long and kept more interesting or thoughtful people to the sidelines as they were to polite (or shy) to interrupt

Avi Lewis and Company did a fine job editing, cutting out the verbal flab and leaving the telling parry. Plus the people came over better as talking heads as the camera explored faces and nuances.

But ON TV!

GOOD SHOW

“Let the people speak”

Perhaps it was the sheer diversity shown; from old warhorse politicians (Rhoda) to young people with frzzy hair-dos that I did not know. They all jumped in and had their moment of ‘fame’

The Winner?

How about Mayor Don Scott?

But ‘he didn’t say a word’ you say. ‘He just sat there and beamed smiles at everyone.

Exactly my point.