Paul Martin uses debate opening statement to tout his economic ...

Paul Martin uses debate opening statement to tout his economic record at 20:08 on December 16, 2005, EST.

VANCOUVER (CP) - Paul Martin kicked off the first English-language debate of the election campaign with a pre-emptive strike Friday, trumpeting his government's economic record and efforts to improve health care.

The prime minister was trying to head off his opponents, who went after Martin on a range of issues, including the sponsorship scandal, in the French-language debate a day earlier.

The debate format, which is new this year, doesn't allow for direct confrontation between the candidates. After opening statements, the four party leaders answer videotaped questions from Canadians. None of the politicians know in advance what they will be asked.

The biggest news from Thursday's debate was Conservative Leader Stephen Harper's pledge not to use the Constitution's notwithstanding clause to overrule the courts and ban same-sex marriage.

It was an attempt to shed the intolerance label critics have slapped on him. He needs to win over moderate voters, particularly in Ontario, if the Conservatives are to have any hope of forming a government.

There are two more debates scheduled, in French on Jan. 9 and in English on Jan. 10.

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