Teachers protest outside Ontario Liberal leadership debate in Ottawa

Ontario Liberal party leadership teachers protest

Ontario Liberal party leadership candidate Sandra Pupatello (left) listens as fellow candidate Kathleen Wynne speaks during a forum at Canadian Club of Toronto Thursday December 6, 2012. (Frank Gunn/ THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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OTTAWA -- Protesting elementary school teachers gave the seven candidates for the Ontario Liberal leadership a noisy welcome as they arrived for their third debate on Tuesday night.

Dozens of placard-waving, chanting teachers lined the entrance to the hall where the debate is taking place in Ottawa.

They are demanding repeal of Bill 115, which gives the provincial government the power to impose a wage freeze and end strikes by teachers.

Gerard Kennedy, one of the leading contenders, shook hands with the protesters and promised he would restore full, fair bargaining rights.

Kennedy, a former education minister, has distanced himself from the McGuinty government's more recent record.

Liberals will choose a new leader to succeed Premier Dalton McGuinty on Jan. 26.