Mishal Husain: How I Will Referee BBC Leaders’ Debate with Voters at Center As the highly anticipated BBC leaders’ debate approaches, I, Mishal Husain, am honored to serve as the impartial referee for this pivotal event. My role is to ensure that the debate remains focused on the issues that matter most to the British public, providing voters with a clear opportunity to assess the candidates’ policies and perspectives. Putting Voters First Throughout the debate, my primary focus will be on empowering voters. I will prioritize questions that directly address the challenges and concerns facing everyday Britons. Our audience will have a vital role to play, with questions submitted in advance and select individuals chosen to participate live. This format ensures that the candidates are held accountable for their plans and promises. Fair and Balanced As a neutral moderator, I will strive to maintain a fair and balanced environment throughout the debate. I will give all candidates equal time and opportunity to present their views, while firmly enforcing the ground rules to prevent personal attacks or unfair interruptions. Respectful and Civil I firmly believe that a respectful and civil tone is essential for a productive debate. I will not tolerate any form of bullying, shouting, or insults. Instead, I will encourage the candidates to engage in substantive discussions, focusing on the facts and their differing policy positions. Clear and Concise The debate will be a fast-paced and highly charged event. My goal is to facilitate clear and concise exchanges that allow voters to fully understand the candidates’ perspectives. I will ask follow-up questions to clarify key points and ensure that the candidates are responsive to the concerns raised by the audience. Accountability and Transparency At the conclusion of the debate, I will take time to summarize the main points of discussion and highlight any commitments or promises made by the candidates. This will provide voters with a clear record of what was said and encourage accountability in the weeks leading up to the election. A Civic Duty I approach this responsibility with a deep sense of humility and determination. I believe that the BBC leaders’ debate is a vital part of our democratic process, giving voters the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates vying for their support. As the referee, I will work tirelessly to ensure that this debate is both fair and informative, empowering voters and contributing to an informed and engaged electorate.Alberta Withdraws from Federal Dental PlanAlberta Withdraws from Federal Dental Plan Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has announced that Alberta will be opting out of the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), citing concerns over provincial jurisdiction and the lack of collaboration with provinces in its development. Smith believes that such a program should have been developed in consultation with provinces and that the federal government has overstepped its boundaries. As a result, Alberta will maintain its provincial dental programs and seek an agreement to receive its share of federal funding, which it will use to expand dental coverage for lower-income Albertans. The federal plan, which has pledged $13 billion over five years, aims to provide dental care to Canadians who earn less than $90,000 and do not have access to dental insurance. However, concerns have been raised by dentists and provincial officials about the program’s implementation, paperwork burden, and uncertainty over coverage. Alberta Dental Association President-elect Dr. Hans Herchen, who represents 60-70% of Alberta dentists not currently enrolled in the program, expressed concerns about misinformation and unrealistic expectations. He believes the program is creating unnecessary administrative work and misleading patients into believing they will receive free care when they will still be expected to pay out of pocket. Dr. Joel Antel, President of the Canadian Dental Association, also raised concerns about the program’s limitation on patient choice and potential impact on dentists. He fears that patients may face difficulties finding participating dentists and could be left without access to necessary dental care. Despite these concerns, Canada’s Health Minister, Jean-Yves Duclos, insists that dentists were consulted in the plan’s development and that work is underway to increase participation. He believes that the majority of provinces and oral health professionals will eventually join the program. Over two million seniors have signed up for the CDCP, including more than 100,000 Albertans, according to Health Canada. The federal government remains committed to working with Alberta to ensure that Albertans have access to affordable oral health care. However, with Alberta opting out, the future of the program in the province remains uncertain.Mishal Husain to Moderate BBC Leaders’ Debate with Voters’ Voices at Heart BBC journalist Mishal Husain has revealed her approach to moderating the upcoming leaders’ debate, emphasizing the importance of centering voters’ voices. Husain stated that her goal is to facilitate a “robust but respectful” exchange, ensuring that candidates are held accountable and voters’ concerns are addressed. “The debate should not be about soundbites or point-scoring,” she said. “It is about giving voters the opportunity to hear directly from those who seek to lead them.” Husain highlighted the use of a series of “people’s questions” during the debate, which will allow ordinary citizens to put their concerns to the candidates. These questions will cover a range of topics, including the economy, healthcare, and the environment. “Our audience will have a vital role to play,” she said. “They will not only be watching the debate but also participating in it.” Husain also emphasized the need for a fair and impartial moderation style. “As a journalist, my job is to ask tough questions and hold candidates to account,” she said. “But I will also ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to present their views and respond to voters’ concerns.” The BBC leaders’ debate is scheduled to take place on December 12, 2022. It will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC News Channel.