The seven hopefuls vying to take over the reigns of the Ontario government are about to square off for their final face-to-face showdown.

The contenders will take part in a final leadership debate tonight in Toronto's west end and a crowd is expected to gather, but not to cheer them on. Members of CUPE and other community groups will rally to protest Bill 1-15. They say their democratic right to collectively bargain and created an unnecessary crisis in education.

Previous debates have seen the candidates tackle a variety of issues, including education, health care and green energy policy. Candidates have engaged in four other showdowns since the campaign to become premier officially kicked off at the beginning of December.

The most recent contest in the Toronto suburb of Ajax drew crowds of angry teachers protesting the McGuinty government's decision to impose two-year contracts and forcibly end months of bitter negotiations.

Party members will choose the next liberal leader at a convention in Toronto at the end of the month.

(The Canadian Press)