Byelection debate keys on trade, transit: Ottawa Centre vote features heavyweight candidates The Ottawa Citizen Heavyweight candidates clashed last night in a debate for an Ottawa Centre byelection that's not even likely to occur. The vote is set for November, but indications are strong that a national election will likely be called for June 14, ending the need for the byelection. The Ottawa Centre campaign pits former NDP national leader Ed Broadbent against Paul Martin confidant Richard Mahoney, Conservative Mike Murphy and four smaller party candidates. It was a lacklustre debate that kicked off the campaign last night. The candidates spoke about issues ranking from public transit, to Canada/U.S. relations and the federal deficit. While there wasn't much disagreement among them, heated rivals Mr. Broadbent and Mr. Mahoney fired a few jabs at one another's party. "I am concerned about the next 10 years because they may replicate the last 10 years," said Mr. Broadbent. "We have stayed the course with inferior social programs and bad environmental programs." Mr. Mahoney fired back, "this next election is going to come down to a debate between the Conservative party and the Liberal party," discounting Mr. Broadbent's candidacy as a factor. The byelection has been called to find a replacement for former MP Mac Harb, who was appointed to the Senate in September. It is scheduled for Nov. 29, but rumours are strong that Prime Minister Paul Martin will call a national election for mid-June. "If a federal election is called before (the byelection) then it would supercede," said Mr. Mahoney. " We have had our signs and our website ready for months now." Last night's event was organized by a non-profit group called Canada25, which represents the voices of Canadians between the ages of 20 and 35, and saw numerous onstage battles between candidates erupt. About 200 people turned out for the debate at the Ottawa Public Library on Metcalfe Street. Aside from Mr. Broadbent and Mr. Mahoney, representing their parties at the debate were David Chernushenko, representing the Green Party; Stuart Ryan, representing the Communist Party; Raymond Samuels, representing the Cosmopolitan Party; Mike Murphy, representing the Conservative Party of Canada and Louis Lang, representing the Marxist-Leninist Party. © Copyright 2004 Canada25