Rogers to air debates for seven area ridings

Other public faceoffs are in the works

Don’t despair, voters of Ottawa. Though there may be limited opportunity to assess those courting your support in the Ontario election campaign at allcandidates meetings, they will be squaring off on TV next week.

Rogers plans to air hourlong debates, moderated by Citizen columnist Mark Sutcliffe, on May 27, 28 and 29 involving candidates in seven Ottawa-area ridings.

All candidates in Ottawa South, Ottawa Centre, Ottawa-Vanier and Ottawa West-Nepean have confirmed their participation. Rogers is still confirming candidates in Nepean-Carleton, Ottawa- Orléans and Carleton-Mississippi Mills.

As well, plans are afoot for public all-candidates debates in several area ridings.

The Citizen reported Thursday that only two all-candidates debates had been organized in the eight Ottawa-area ridings to date. That hasn’t changed, but meetings in Ottawa- Orléans, Ottawa West-Nepean and Nepean-Carleton could be added shortly.

The Orléans Chamber of Commerce is trying to pin down a venue and bilingual moderator for an all-candidates debate in Ottawa- Orléans that could take place either June 4 or June 10 from 6-8 p.m. The chamber would charge a nominal fee to non-members who wish to attend, a spokesperson said.

Ottawa Wind Concerns is hoping to sponsor an all-candidates meeting in Nepean-Carleton on energy issues. The group’s president, Jane Wilson, said the debate could be held May 28 or June 2, depending on the availability of the venue. Those interested should check the group’s website, ottawawindconcerns.com.

Finally, community groups in Ottawa West-Nepean are trying to find acceptable dates for an allcandidates debate in that riding, with June 4 or 5 looking most likely.