Peter Mansbridge's interviews with the federal party leaders

CBC News's chief correspondentPeter Mansbridgesat down for exclusiveone-on-one interviews with each of the main federal party leaders in advance of the election on Oct. 19.

The aim: to give voters a better sense of the leaders themselves and their politics.

• BehindThe National's interviews with Canada's federal leaders

"The premise is simple;the execution a challenge," Mansbridgewrites.

"We requested the same thing from each of the parties: a full 30 minutes with their leaders, uninterrupted in a venue of their choice, but away from the campaign trail, away from the rallies and the whistle-stopsand the media buses.

"The interviews would be wide-ranging. No topic was off limits, and, as with everyone we do, no questions were provided beforehand."

One question that was particularly tricky for each of the leaders:"What is it about you,that you feel should make you a prime minister?" The answers are surprising.

Watch all the interviews below. The videosappear in the orderthe interviews originally aired onCBC'sThe National.

Stephen Harper

Justin Trudeau Interview with Peter Mansbridge

9 years ago

Duration 30:03

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau sits down with Peter Mansbridge for an exclusive interview.

• Stephen Harper would quit as PM even if party loses by a seat
• Full text of Peter Mansbridge's interview with Stephen Harper

Justin Trudeau

Tom Mulcair Interview with Peter Mansbridge

9 years ago

Duration 32:46

NDP Leader Tom Mulcair sits down for an exclusive interview with Peter Mansbridge.

• Justin Trudeau would loosen PMO control, reverse trend started by father
• Full text of Peter Mansbridge's interview with Justin Trudeau

Tom Mulcair

Elizabeth May Interview with Peter Mansbridge

9 years ago

Duration 24:39

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May sits down with Peter Mansbridge for an exclusive interview.

• Tom Mulcair as PM would end Canada's fight with ISIS
• Full text of Peter Mansbridge's interview with Tom Mulcair

Elizabeth May

• Elizabeth May willing to mediate coalition to topple Stephen Harper
• Full text of Peter Mansbridge's interview with Elizabeth May