On Friday, leaders of the four main Ontario political parties squared off in North Bay for their first of two debates ahead of election day, Feb. 27. Here’s what sharp-eyed analysts Brigitte Pellerin, Bruce Deachman and Randall Denley concluded about their appearance.

As has been the case in other parts of Ontario, the Tory candidates in London-Fanshawe, London West and London North Centre have skipped all-candidates debates organized by Rogers TV, CBC, the chamber of commerce and community groups while NDP, Liberal, Green and fringe-party campaigners have participated.

It’s a big day for provincial election candidate leaders, Doug Ford, Bonnie Crombie, Mike Schreiner and Marit Stiles, as they prepare to participate in a debate focused on northern Ontario issues held at Canadore College in North Bay.

The leaders of Ontario's New Democratic, Liberal and Green parties are going on the offensive against Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford in the first election debate of the campaign, pressing him in particular on his record on housing.

Ontario's main party leaders will square off on northern issues today in their first debate of the election campaign.