NDP leadership candidates are taking part in the first official debate of the campaign Thursday evening in Montreal.

There are currently five contenders. Edmonton MP Heather McPherson, documentary filmmaker Avi Lewis and union leader Rob Ashton are considered the frontrunners. Campbell River, B.C., city councillor Tanille Johnston and organic farmer Tony McQuail are also running.

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While the debate is taking place in Quebec, only 60 per cent of it will be in French, and the rest in English. The candidates (all anglophones) will also be allowed to wear earpieces to receive an English translation. However, if a candidate answers a French question in English, they will be cut off.

The party’s lone Quebec MP, Alexandre Boulerice, is hosting and will kick off the evening’s

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