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Every election matters to the capital. In this city, politics leaves its marks on the very stones. This election, though, will matter in a personal way to many Ottawans.

This is, in part, about how we respond to an attack on our city. And for several reasons, this election will be about what sort of capital we want.

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We vote three days before the first anniversary of the murder of Nathan Cirillo and the terrifying attack on Parliament Hill. The question of how to maximize both liberty and security must inform this campaign. This is about the sidewalks we tread, the places we gather, the events that mark our seasons as a community. There is no line between the personal and political in this city.

Some of the government’s response to the Oct. 22 remains abstract to most of us. Bill C-51 gave more power to the police and CSIS, made it a crime to promote terrorism and broadened the rules on warrantless arrest. The NDP opposed the bill; the Liberals supported it but have said they would amend it if they take power.