Quebec Premier Jean Charest waves as he gets on his bus following a news conference Saturday, August 18, 2012 in Laval, Que. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
August 18, 2012 - 12:56 PM
MONTREAL - Quebec's political leaders are getting ready for a series of televised debates as the provincial election campaign hits the halfway mark.
Polls suggest that Pauline Marois' Parti Quebecois has a solid lead over the Charest Liberals and the new Coalition for Quebec's Future.
But Premier Jean Charest is an experienced debate performer and the string of debates beginning Sunday night could be his best chance for a turnaround before the Sept. 4 election.
It's also a chance for Coalition Leader Francois Legault to make his first real impression as head of the new party.
Francoise David, spokeswoman for the left-wing Quebec Solidaire, will also take part in Sunday's debate.
Three more debates are scheduled for Monday through Wednesday — featuring one-on-one battles between Charest, Legault, and Marois.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2012