Whenever an election campaign rolls around, candidate profiles are fairly ubiquitous. They tend to ask similar questions of candidates, and they're useful to voters, to be sure. But because everyone else asks those questions, we've decided to go our own way. And each OpenFile office across Canada has done the same.

OpenFile's Trevor Pritchard contacted every candidate we could find in the Ottawa-Gatineau area, and we asked them a few things about themselves you won't find anywhere else. We'll post candidates' answers for every riding in the area, as they roll in. You'll find links to each riding's profiles on our main election page. Without further ado, your candidates.

• Damian Konstantinakos, Conservative
• Pierre Soublière, Marxist-Leninist
• Scott Bradley, Liberal
• Paul Dewar, NDP
• John Akpata, Radical Marijuana
• Jen Hunter, Green

Damian Konstantinakos, Conservative

Do you do any volunteer work? If so, what?

I am very involved in the community and support events such as participating in the Ottawa Run for the Cure, which is an event dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer research, and education and awareness programs. As well, I have volunteered much time and effort to helping Oxfam Canada & Quebec, Care Canada and Save the Children to find better ways to use technology to respond to global emergencies.

What is something people don’t know about you?

I am a passionate foodie – and willing to take risks in culinary adventures. I’m a big fan of the experiments served up on www.epicmealtime.com and for a Superbowl party I once made the “Meatball Death Star.”

What’s the last thing you watched on YouTube?

One of my favorite Epic Mealtime videos.

Name one piece of legislation you would like to change and how?

As a Conservative Member of Parliament, I will support the Government's low-tax plan for jobs and growth - the Next Phase of Canada‘s Economic Action Plan. This plan has concrete initiatives to create jobs through training, trade and low taxes as well as support families through our Family Tax Cut and provide support for seniors and caregivers. We will also eliminate the deficit by 2014-2015 by controlling spending and cutting waste. Canada needs a stable national Conservative Government that will implement this plan and complete the economic recovery.

What is the craziest moment you’ve experienced on the campaign trail?

I found myself impersonated by someone who opened a twitter account in my name. I'm proud of the way that technology -- much of it developed right here in Ottawa -- has opened the doors to democracy around the world, including the Middle East. But when the impersonator used my name and picture to tweet hurtful and absurd comments, I saw how new technology raises new issues. I'm an electrical engineer in Ottawa's high tech industry. I want to bring my background to Parliament to help resolve issues of technology and privacy.

Describe Canada in one word.

Magnificent!

Have you ever run/worked for another political party?

I have only worked for one political party. The reason I’ve decided to run as a Conservative Candidate is because I’ve been very impressed by how the Harper Government’s Economic Action Plan has been leading Canada out of a global recession. Entrepreneurship and innovation are vital to Canada’s future, and the Harper Government has consistently implemented policies that make Canada competitive. The Economic Action Plan helped put Canada at the forefront of nations who have emerged from the recession in good shape to create a better standard of living for our people. I want to continue that achievement. I want to build on it.

How do you find out about what’s happening in your community?

I garner a good deal of enjoyment from meeting area residents and I make a great effort to always be available to hear, and subsequently voice, their concerns.

How do you get to work?

I depend on various means of transportation. In large part my choice of transport depends on whether or not I need to travel during the day for work.

Where do you like to eat in your riding?

I have been enjoying the good food prepared by the kind folks at the Ottawa Bagelshop and Deli, which is across from my campaign office on Wellington St. W.

Pierre Soublière, Marxist-Leninist

Do you do any volunteer work? If so, what?

Of course, I'm a teacher! I have also done some volunteer community radio work.

What is something people don't know about you?

Very little, I'm an open book. It's a curse!

What's the last thing you watched on You Tube?

A clip of the February 10,000 strong demonstration in Hamilton in which the president of Hamilton local 1005 of the Steelworkers' union gives the call to participate on Parliament Hill in a rally "In defense of the rights of all" on May 2. I can't help but think how timely this demonstration is, seeing it is being held the day before elections day.

Name a piece of legislation you would like to change and how?

I would really like to see changes made to the Investment Canada Act. The changes should impose legal measures by which foreign investors would be bound by law to agreements which are of equal benefit to the investor as well as to the Canadian government as an upholder of Canadian society and of public right.

What is the craziest moment you've experienced on the campaign trail?

The craziest moments, rather, is when I realize all the worries and demands workers have at various levels - be it pensions, plant closures, health care, social programs, etc. - and how after 40 election campaigns in Canada, the campaigning, leaders' debates and all are even further removed from the actual concerns of the people.

Describe Canada in one word.

Annexed

Have you ever run/worked for another political party?

Definitely neither for the Liberals, Conservatives or NDP. No point in working for a Party that doesn't have the people's empowerment through democratic renewal on the agenda.

How do you find out about what's happening in your community?

I know, it sounds pretentious, but I like to think that I am part of what is happening in my community.When that happens, you get informed in the thick of things.

How do you get to work?

I drink very strong coffee when I get up, but that's probably not what you're getting at. I have made arrangements to live very close to my place of work, the main reason being that traffic jams drive me literally insane. On the other hand, at this point in time, with families and various responsibilities, I find that social transportation has yet to fulfill these various needs.

Where do you like to eat in your riding?

Sorry, I'm not much of a restaurant person, but I do like the local coffee shops for my shot of expresso.

Scott Bradley, Liberal

Do you do any volunteer work?

I coach my kids' hockey and soccer teams, and volunteer with the Civic Hospital Neighbourhood Association and Easter Seals. I also volunteer at school events for my kids, and raise money for some local charities with the 20th Century Boys, and the Middlemen, two local rock bands I play in.

What is something people don’t know about you?

I know all the words to the Sound of Music (and some of the dance steps). I'm deaf in my right ear (but not from my singing).

What’s the last thing you watched on YouTube?

A music video on Youtube by Griff Barr, grade 7 student in Ottawa Centre, who wrote a song about our campaign.

Name one piece of legislation you would like to change and how?

I would like to introduce legislation that helps streamline the foreign accreditation process, in partnership with the provinces and the sector councils.

What is the craziest moment you’ve experienced on the campaign trail?

Let's just say that when you knock on over 20,000 doors, you see some interesting things!

Describe Canada in one word.

Home

Have you ever run/worked for another political party?

I'm a lifelong member of the Liberal family.

How do you find out about what’s happening in your community?

By talking to my neighbours and being active in local events.

How do you get to work?

My job is to knock on doors - so I've been doing a lot of walking.

Where do you like to eat in your riding?

I like to grab breakfast at Moes, a sandwich at DiRienzo's for lunch, and my wife and I enjoy Mekong for dinner while the kids chow down on pizza from Carlos.

Paul Dewar, NDP

Do you do any volunteer work? If so, what?

It’s hard to tell the difference between working and volunteering when you’re attending community events as the member of parliament. Prior to being elected, I volunteered in various ways: on the board of OCISO, coaching baseball, fundraising for community and international projects. Since getting elected, I remain engaged with various organizations like the Stephen Lewis Foundation – where I took their challenge of “A Dare to Remember” and raised funds through selling cookies! In parliament, I volunteer as the chair of the all-party parliamentary group on the Prevention of Genocide, I volunteer in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation group and I helped establish the all-party Arts Caucus. In our community I have lent my support to events organized by different community associations, such as supporting Ottawa Riverkeepers. Again, I think that’s part of my job! I believe as an MP, it’s important to support the multitude of various volunteer-driven initiatives in our community and I have presented a motion in the House of Commons in support of volunteerism in Canada.

What is something people don’t know about you?

I was a stay-at-home dad for a year with my first son. Amazing way to get to know your neighbours!

What’s the last thing you watched on YouTube?

Carleton Vote Mob. Carleton students have been a source of knowledge, activism and inspiration for me. I’m so glad to see them engaged in this election.

Name one piece of legislation you would like to change and how?

I’d like to end the Senate’s power to kill legislation that has been adopted by the democratically-elected House of Commons. We could have saved important legislation on climate change and my bill to make life-saving drugs more affordable in the poorest countries.

What is the craziest moment you’ve experienced on the campaign trail?

I got mobbed by a group of students who asked me for my autograph. It was flattering, but I reminded them I was a commoner running for the House of Commons!

Describe Canada in one word.

Promising.

Have you ever run/worked for another political party?

No.

How do you find out about what’s happening in your community?

Staying in touch with the community is the most important part of my job. Through electronic media, social media, posters on polls, postings on community websites, local media, and word of mouth.

How do you get to work?

Bike, bus, skates and car.

Where do you like to eat in your riding?

The many restaurants that Ottawa Centre has to offer, and when I can, at home!

John Akpata, Radical Marijuana

Do you do any volunteer work? If so, what?

I am a volunteer radio host at CHUO 89.1 FM My show is Monday Night Scribes - a show dedicated to writers, reciters, MCs, and poets - every Monday night at 10:00 pm - 11:00 pm - current events, politics and live guests recite on the air.

What is something people don’t know about you?

I am learning to play the saxophone (tenor) - something I have always wanted to do since Grade 7 band.

What’s the last thing you watched on YouTube?

Stay Human - a Michael Franti cover done by Ottawa's Tonality

Name one piece of legislation you would like to change and how?

Criminal Code - remove Marijuana from the Criminal Code; add police abuses to the Criminal Code - have police investigated by Civilian Oversight.

What is the craziest moment you’ve experienced on the campaign trail?

In 2006 when Conservative Keith Fountain stated "They're all dying anyway!" and stormed out of a debate at St. Paul's University that was about fair trade and pharmaceuticals in the developing world. I realized that some people in politics have no conscience and are basically evil.

Describe Canada in one word.

Underachieving.

Have you ever run/worked for another political party?

No.

How do you find out about what’s happening in your community?

I listen to community radio, talk to my friends and neighbours, watch the news, read newspapers, and search the Internet.

How do you get to work?

walk, bike, bus.

Where do you like to eat in your riding?

home sweet home.

Jen Hunter, Green

Do you do any volunteer work? If so, what?

yes, lots! Vicechair of equal voice in the national capital region. founder of sustainable enterprise alliance. community engagement through real conversations. I am green party of canada candidate, ottawa centre, also i am the industry critiic for the .green party of canada. others, and current activities are part of my Linked In profile.

What is something people don’t know about you?

when i lived in toronto, i was a partner in an independent music production company called Stone Roots Production. I believe that words create our world... that is, i believe in the generative power of language.

What’s the last thing you watched on YouTube?

It was last night, i watched a spoof on the mac versus pc commercials by green party candidate, Heather MacIntosh. very funny.

Name one piece of legislation you would like to change and how?

I think the work of C311 was important and should not have been struck down by the Senate withut debate. I really think that Canada can do more in taking responsibility by showing leadership for the triple bottom line [i.e., accounting for financial, social and environmental outcomes and costs] in to our legislative practices. Much of the legislation is old. I would like to get at a bunch of them.

What is the craziest moment you’ve experienced on the campaign trail?

There are 2 extremes that come to mind. First one, knocking on the door and being told, " I voted for you!!" Second, being met at the door by an old man who said that my leader is crazy and that if i don't get off his porch, he will throw a bag of garbage at me and my 4 month old baby.

Describe Canada in one word.

Cottage.

Have you ever run/worked for another political party?

Yes. In my early twenties, i worked for the Liberal party. it had me leave politics for fifteen years!

How do you find out about what’s happening in your community?

I talk to a lot of people and we go out a lot. Also, I think we have great local papers. i read many of them.

How do you get to work?

Right now, he cries and i walk into his room. I have a home office and I walk or take the bus to local clients. I fly internationally when required.

Where do you like to eat in your riding?

Lots of places.... the Wellington Gastropub, Thyme & Again. the Works, the Manx, Cuppedia, Bridgehead. A new favourite is Vitaemine. Scone Witch is delicious. The Wild Oat. the Green Door. Kettlemens. Shanghai... to name a few! Ottawa Centre is yummy!