The downtown riding of Toronto Centre will soon have a new leader. A federal byelection is scheduled to happen Nov. 25 to finally fill the seat that has been vacant since then Liberal party leader Bob Rae abruptly stepped down last June. Toronto Centre is the federal riding, and at the municipal level it is split by Wards 27, led by Coun. Kristyn Wong-Tam, and 28, led by Coun. Pam McConnell.

The riding, which has been owned by the Liberals for two decades, is going to see a bit of a battle. Linda McQuaig, who is running for the NDP, has recently called on Chrystia Freeland, who is running for the Liberal Party of Canada, to have a public debate. Both women are former journalists and authors. As of yet, a debate has not been scheduled.

“I look forward to the chance to debate all candidates for all parties during the campaign,” said Freeland in response to being asked about the debate.

“It’s important that voters have the opportunity to hear from all parties. I am not taking anything for granted and making no assumptions about who may or may not be the top candidates in the race,” she said.