Why Are the Networks in Charge of Democracy in This Country?

Like many Canadians, I have questions about the networks' decision to bar Elizabeth May from the Federal leadership debate.

Who put the television networks in charge of deciding which political party leaders get to participate in the federal leadership debates -- and who is asked to stay home? And why do the leadership candidates themselves get a say in vetoing a fellow candidate?

Why isn't Elections Canada in charge of this process?

Finally, who thought it would be in Canadians' best interest to outsource this function -- and which parties benefited from the decision to privatize this fundamental aspect of democracy?