OTTAWA - Canadians will be able to watch a debate on Monday that will be really for the birds.
The Royal Canadian Geographic Society will stage a debate on which bird should be Canada's national bird.
An online survey over the past 20 months has the pecking order down to five contenders -- The Canada goose, Ontario's loon, Quebec's snowy owl, New Brunswick's black-capped chickadee and the gray jay.
Environment Minister Catherine McKenna will kick off the debate, but the Liberals have not yet said whether they will officially designate a national bird, although the former Harper government was keen on the project.
The editor of the society's Canadian Geographic magazine, says the group was blown away by the level of interest.
Aaron Kylie says the public responses included thousands of thoughtful, written submissions.
Monday's debate in Ottawa will be livestreamed for the public.
The final choice will be announced in November.
