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It is a strange paradox that there is a decline in trust in federal political parties at the same time as there is a rise in partisanship.

Far from restoring confidence in the system, the English-language leaders debate reinforced that contradiction, offering a cacophony of sectarian thunder but very little illumination.

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Few people who watched will feel that they witnessed a leader they can trust; someone who made them feel good; who could offer the country stability, consistency and a vision to make Canada the best place in the world to live, work and raise a family.

On the other hand, there was partisanship aplenty.

Differences were highlighted and prejudices reinforced. Choices were dramatized as if Canadians are deciding between a visionary leader, able to turn horses into unicorns, and the ringleader of the zombie army of the unthinking.

Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer’s opening statement aimed at Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau set the tone. “Mr. Trudeau, you are a phoney and a fraud and you don’t deserve to govern this country,” he said.