There wasn't an empty seat in the house at last night's candidate debate at the Eagles Fire Youth Centre in Portage la Prairie. Manitoba Metis Federation Portage Local Vice-chair Landeyn Aymont helped organize the public forum, and comments on the night.

"I think it was a very informative night. There was a lot of crowd participation which is always great to see. The people had a lot of questions and we got around to as many of them as possible and the candidates did an excellent job of addressing most of them as best they could. It was a really great turn out and we're really happy with that."

Conservative candidate Ian Wishart says it was good to see so many young people in the crowd.

"I'm very pleased. The fact that the debate is at the youth centre and that the youth have chosen to come out is great because our future is always involved with the youth. A big part of this election is about education and the future so it's absolutely appropriate they're engaged."

Wishart says he's disappointed there was no representative from the NDP, but adds it was still a great night and the public asked some good questions.

This is Liberal candidate Stephen Prince's first election campaign, and he says last night's debate was a success.

"I think a lot of the questions were fair and this debate gives us an opportunity to address some of the issues that we face here in Portage la Prairie. I'm very impressed with the turnout that we had here tonight and I'm happy that we filled the room."