By Andrew Davidson, CBC News, from the George Bush-Bill Clinton debate of U.S./Canadian issues in Toronto:

Prior to the event people were warned to show up early to run the security gauntlet, but getting through security was actually pretty quick and painless. The security people had about a dozen lineups like they do at the airport customs check. Metal detectors and wands, and they checked bags and laptops, but no taking off our shoes. Everyone seems nervously cheery.

Three green leather chairs are set up on stage in front of a green backlit screen, and there are two tall plants beside the chairs - the chairs are close together and look comfy like a talk show, not a debate. In other words, they've opted for a fireside-chat kind of setup rather than putting the speakers at opposing podiums.

Frank McKenna, Canada's former ambassador to the U.S., is moderating the "conversation," as the event is being billed.