The federal NDP leadership candidates began their debate Sunday in Halifax, focusing their attacks on the Tory government record.

As with previous debates, the eight leadership hopefuls shied away from criticizing each other, opting instead to voice their support for national health, child care and pension programs.

Former NDP president Brian Topp and Montreal MP Thomas Mulcair accused the federal government of taking unfair aim at families and seniors.

Other candidates vying to replace the late Jack Layton are Paul Dewar, Peggy Nash, Niki Ashton, Nathan Cullen, Martin Singh and Romeo Saganash.

In Kitchener, there was a sense of optimism among local NDP members about the leadership race. Some members have already decided who they would like as their new party leader.

"I think that what we're doing in this leadership race which we've never actually done before is knowingly electing the next leader of the official opposition." said Noam Gold-Utting, Vice-President of the Kitchener-Conestoga NDP.

Everyone at the meeting agrees whoever wins the race cannot afford to lose the gains Jack Layton secured. Some members say good communication skills and likable personality are crucial to appeal to all Canadians.

"They need to be able to articulate their ideas clearly and at a level that the average Canadian can understand but also come from an educated point of view." Alison Rogers, NDP Party Member added.

For Kitchener-Centre NDP Vice-President Peter Thurley, Paul Dewar is the right person for the job. And Thurley believes Dewar will be able to make a good impression on voters across the country.

"I really think that he's the kind of guy that is going to be able to walk into any kind of room filled with people of any political stripe and be able to walk out having made friends." said Thurley.

Sunday's official debate is followed by others every two weeks in Quebec City, Winnipeg, Montreal and Vancouver.

NDP members will choose their new leader on March 24 at a convention in Toronto.

Jack Layton died of cancer last August just months after leading the NDP to 103 seats and official Opposition status for the first time in the party's history.