First Ontario election debate in North Bay

The leaders of the four major political parties in Ontario are gathering in North Bay for the first election debate. Watch live on CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca starting at 1 p.m. ET.

North Bay police have closed the roads surrounding the Capitol Centre on Main Street, including McIntyre Street East, Wyld Street and Ferguson Street, to all pedestrians, vehicles and public transit until 6 p.m.

Ontario Liberal Party Leader Steven Del Duca arrived without fanfare walking in by himself, CTV News North Bay videojournalist Jamie McKee said,

Ontario Liberal Party Leader Steven Del Duca (left) arrives at the Capitol Centre in North Bay for the first provincial election debate. May 10/22 (Jaime McKee/CTV Northern Ontario)

However, a group of about 50-60 Ontario Progressive Conservative supporters paraded to the venue with party leader Doug Ford.

Ontario PC Party Leader Doug Ford arrives at debate in North Bay. May 10/22 (Jaime McKee/CTV Northern Ontario)

Plenty of @fordnation and @VictorFedeli supporters at the Capitol Centre awaiting the arrival of Doug Ford, for today's Northern Ontario Leader's Debate in North Bay. @CTVNewsNorthern pic.twitter.com/gCL3CjxLoF

— Jaime McKee (@jaimemckeectv) May 10, 2022

Meanwhile, about 100-150 protestors positioned themselves across the street from the debate venue.

Protesters in North Bay waving CUPE and OPSEU flags across from the Capitol Centre where the leaders from the four major Ontario political parties will debate. May 10/22 (Jaime McKee/CTV Northern Ontario)

Andrea Horwath, the leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party, has arrived.

Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath arrives at the Capitol Centre in North Bay for the first provincial election debate. May 10/22 (Jaime McKee/CTV Northern Ontario)

Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Scheiner was also in attendance.

Four major Ontario political party leaders in first provincial election debate in North Bay. May 10/22 (Jaime McKee/CTV Northern Ontario)