KANATA – Only three-fifths of the Kanata-Carleton federal candidates will be present at tonight’s (Oct. 3) all-candidates debate in Kanata.

Ecology Ottawa is hosting tonight’s debate which will be focused on the environment. The debate at the Kanata Recreation Complex is one of three Ottawa-area debates that are part of a nationwide program called 100 Debates in the Environment.

“These debates are about putting environmental issues – especially the climate crisis – at the forefront of public discussion at a critically important time,” Ecology Ottawa executive director Robb Barnes said. “Voters need to know where their candidates stand on environmental issues. It is no longer viable for parties or candidates to avoid this vitally important subject.” 

Despite the environment being a major campaign issue leading up to the Oct. 21 election both Conservative candidate Justina McCaffrey and Peoples’ Party of Canada candidate Scott Miller have both declined to attend.

Miller famously stated “there is no climate crisis” in Kinburn at the Arnprior Region of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture all candidates’ debate.

The 100 Debates on the Environment organization states their all-candidates’ meetings ae non-partisan. The debate will be held in Hall A starting at 7 p.m.

The only other all-candidates debate scheduled in West Carleton will be hosted by the Huntley Community Association on Tuesday, Oct. 8 starting at 7 p.m. in the Carp Mess Hall.