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While other candidates focused on the challenges in the riding, Fortier maintained a positive tone.

“Ottawa–Vanier is strong because of its diversity, which is representative of the Canadian social fabric,” she said.“I will focus on making life more affordable for residents, protect our environment, and help local businesses prosper.”

Stéphanie Mercier, a law student with a nursing background, is running for the NDP.

“I’m really happy that Ms. Fortier mentioned that she created so many jobs, because most of my friends are working two to make ends meet,” she said at one point, to huge applause.

Mercier drew on her own experience in nursing and harm reduction work in Ottawa–Vanier.

“I want to fight for you, and for our community. And I believe that with different choices, we can get better results,” she said.

Green candidate Oriana Ngabirano was also a strong contributor to the debate, scoring applause with many of her points.

“If someone doesn’t have food on the table, they really don’t care about plastic or paper, or if their straw is plastic or metal,” she said. “If we want to protect the environment … we need also to protect the people. And the people in Ottawa-Vanier need a guaranteed livable income.”

Independent candidate Joel Altman took Fortier to task over what he described as a failure to differentiate herself from her party.

“I’m looking at our incumbent’s website, reading the literature, and all I see is Liberal party, and nothing about the actual incumbent. And I find that a little bit concerning,” he said, noting that other MPs lay out their own accomplishments for constituents to look at.