By Yose Cormier
Another election is upon us, with 11 candidates vying for your votes to represent Ottawa Centre in Parliament.
According to Elections Canada, almost 95,000 people are on the riding’s electoral list.
For those who missed the September 25, October 2 and October 3 all-candidates’ debates, there is at least one more, scheduled for St. Georges Parish on Piccadilly Ave from 7 to 9 p.m. on October 15.
There’s also a meet and greet, co-hosted by the Parkdale Food Centre at the Adult High School, on Rochester Street on Wednesday, October 9. Candidates will discuss income security, food/hunger, housing and quality of life.
In addition, local Kitchissippi coffeehouse Morning Owl is hoping to spread awareness of the election by hosting meet-and-greet events with federal candidates.
“Our emphasis for these events is on first time voters and those who consider themselves to be uninformed when it comes to the world of politics,” said Kate Lin, co-owner of Morning Owl on Parkdale.
“Holding these events is not reflective of our political views, but rather we are doing so in hopes of garnering interest and helping educate. This is our effort to make the process of the electoral vote more representative of all Canadians.”
Already, NDP candidate Emilie Taman (Monday, Oct. 7 between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m.) and Green Party candidate Angela Keller-Herzog (Thursday, Oct. 17 between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m.) have confirmed their participation.
Lin is trying to get other candidates to participate as well.
How to vote
There are a number of ways you can cast your vote in this upcoming election according to Elections Canada.
If you won’t be around on Oct. 21, you can take advantage of advance polling, which will take place on October 11, 12, 13 and 14 at your designated polling station.
You can also vote in person at any Elections Canada office in Canada, any time before 6 p.m. (Eastern time) on October 15.
Voters can also send their vote by mail if they apply no later than 6 p.m. (Eastern time) on October 15.
Elections Canada asks that you check your voting information card for your exact polling location or check their website.
Federal Election
Candidates
Shelby Bertrand?Animal Protection Party of Canada
Carol Clemenhagen?Conservative Party of Canada
Coreen Corcoran,?Libertarian Party of Canada
Chris G. Jones?Independent
Angela Keller-Herzog?Green Party of Canada
Marie-Chantal Leriche ?Christian Heritage Party of Canada
Catherine McKenna?Liberal Party of Canada
Stuart Ryan?Communist Party of Canada
Merylee Sevilla?People’s Party of Canada
Emilie Taman?New Democratic Party
Giang Ha Thu Vo?Independent