Viewing parties abound for first federal debate

[guest]

It might be the longest campaign in modern election history, but that doesn’t seem to be dampening enthusiasm for the race’s first debate in this most political of towns. A number of candidates in the region are planning debate-viewing gatherings at the campaign offices or even their own homes.

The leaders’ debate — which starts at 8 p.m. and is organized by Maclean’s — has spurred a number of groups to get together at bars across the city to cheer and jeer. Here’s where some of them are meeting, in case you’re feeling social:

• Ottawa-area representatives of the Canadian Federation of Students are inviting students to watch at Mike’s Place, a pub on the second floor of Carleton University’s University Centre.
• Ottawa South Green candidate John Redins and the riding association are hosting a viewing party at KS on the Keys on Daze Street.
• The Insurance Bureau of Canada is hosting at the Royal Oak on Kent and Slater street. (That’s right, the Insurance Bureau of Canada.)
• Brixton’s British Pub on Sparks Street will be hosting Ottawa-area members of the University of Ottawa NDP campus supporters, as well as other New Democrats in the region.
• A group of Young Conservatives reserved one of the televisions at Sir John A. Pub on Elgin Street.
• Ottawa Centre Liberal candidate Catherine McKenna is inviting her supporters to attend a viewing party at the Clocktower Brew Pub in Westboro.
• Ottawa West-Nepean Liberals are starting the night at 7 p.m. with a kick-off rally followed by the debate at Time Out Pub on Carling Ave. (next to the Coliseum).
• The Heart & Crown in the ByWard Market, Father and Sons Restaurant near the University of Ottawa and The 3 Brewers on Sparks Street will all be showing the debate, although there are no events or viewing parties planned at these locations.

Many other sports bars around the city will turn on the debate if requested, though the Toronto Blue Jays game which starts at 7 p.m. may take precedence in some pubs.

psmith@ottawacitizen.com
twitter.com/plsmithca

With files from Adam Feibel

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