The debate for the Nepean riding in Ottawa is ten minutes away from its start time, with the room booked in the Westcliffe Community Centre almost full.
A high school student next to me reads the "Democratic Renewal" newspaper, and tells me he's been canvasing for the NDP. Nepean NDP candidate Sean Devine is someone he would like outside a political environment as well, he adds.
The debate is late to start due to a last minute search for more chairs to house the extra bodies that are filling in the sides of the room.
A women next to me notes "this many people didn't show up last time."
"This is a fantastic turnout well exceeding our expectations."
Kurt Stoodley, former broadcaster is the moderator. The conservative party candidate, Andy Wang, was invited to participate but he declined. To this announcement by Stoodley, the crowd boos.
Chandra Arya's opening speech begins with him sending a message to Wang, that "if you want the job, show up to the interview."
Arya says he wants to work will people of all backgrounds to find solutions to community issues. The lack of jobs in Ottawa is causing some young people to leave the city, said Arya.
