Federal Debate 2008: Canadian PM Wants One Hour on Economy

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Conservative Leader Stephen Harper will formally ask the television networks staging this week's leaders' debates to extend the segments devoted to the economy from 12 minutes to one hour.

The reason is the financial crisis affecting the U.S. has deepened since the debate format was finalized.

"The economy is, understandably, top of mind for most Canadians," Harper said.

"Unfortunately, the current debate format does not devote sufficient time to the economy, the most important issue facing Canada today."

All opposition parties must agree to this change. The NDP have agreed.

NDP spokesman Brad Lavigne feels there's no better time to debate what each party is proposing on the economy while Canadian families are increasingly anxious about their own jobs during the crisis.

Liberal leader Dion welcomes the opportunity during the debates to tell Canadians that his party's economic plan is the "best approach."

Is the economy worth an hour?