Kitchener Centre provincial byelection candidates talk housing, environment and transit

Three of the candidates running in the Kitchener Centre provincial byelection joined CBC Kitchener-Waterloo's Craig Norris, host of The Morning Edition, for a panel discussion on top issues in the riding.

The topics covered housing and homelessness, the environment, transit and the opioid crisis. The video in this story contains the entire panel discussion.

CBC K-W invited the four parties that currently have members sitting in Ontario Legislature.

Three of the candidates took part in the panel:

• Debbie Chapman of the NDP.
• Aislinn Clancy of the Green Party.
• Kelly Steiss of the Liberals.

A representative for Progressive Conservative candidate Rob Elliott turned down an invitation to take part in the panel discussion.

18 candidates

There are 18 candidates in total on the ballot for the byelection, which Elections Ontariohas confirmed is a record-breaking number for any provincial election.

The byelection is being held because former MPP Laura Mae Lindo stepped down from the role in July.

The candidates (in order alphabetically by last name) are:

• Gene Balfour, Libertarian.
• Albert Michel Benlolo, Freedom of Choice, Peace and Justice Party.
• Debbie Chapman, OntarioNDP.
• Aislinn Clancy, Green Party of Ontario.
• Jonathan Davis, Public Benefit Party.
• Mark Dickson, None of the Above Direct Democracy Party.
• Rob Elliott, Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario.
• Ali Engering, independent.
• Mario Greco, Populis Ontario.
• Peter House, Electoral Reform Party.
• Lionel Wayne Poizner, Party for People with Special Needs.
• Spencer Rocchi, independent.
• Raymond Samuels, Ontario People's Front.
• Paul Simoes, New Blue.
• Kelly Steiss, Ontario Liberal Party.
• Paul Stewart, independent.
• Patrick Strzalkowski, independent.
• John Turmel, independent.

Advance polling dates have been set for 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday to Friday this week at three locations:

• St. Stephen Lutheran Church at 248 Highland Rd. E.
• Stanley Park Zehrs at 1005 Ottawa St. N.
• Victoria Hills Community Centre at 10 Chopin Dr.

People can also vote at the returning office in downtown Kitchener.

Election day is Nov. 30.