Candidates in the Thunder Bay-Rainy River riding gather tonight in Stratton for the first of three debates this week.
NDP incumbent John Rafferty says he's he's ready to discuss the issues which his challengers.
"I do make sure I'm up to snuff on our platform in any number of areas," says Rafferty. "There can always be some odd questions your not prepared and you want to make sure you have the knowledge of your platform behind you."
Liberal Candidate Ken Boschoff says he's ready."You essentially be always prepared," says Boshcoff. "You should know your facts. You should know your policies and you should know why you're running. I feel I'm ready for the debate as if it is right now."
Conservative Candidate Maureen Comuzzi-Stehman says it's an opportunity to present her party's platform."I'm going with a strong message that our government is leading with," says Comuzzi-Stehman. "Our economy is coming out of the worse economic recession since World War II. Our government has a proven record. Our taxes are low. We're creating jobs and I'm sticking to that good message."
Green Party Candidate Ed Shields says the debates are something new for him."I'm a research scientist and not a politician," says Shields. "I'm not used to debating. I'm used to sitting and thinking and writing long papers so it's a whole new experience for me."
The debate in Stratton will be held at Our Lady of the Way School beginning at 7 p.m.
All questions will be posed by audience members.
There will also be an opportunity to meet the candidates prior and after the debate.
