He gave the speech at a fundraising dinner with Montreal area Tories including his Quebec Lieutenant Public Works Minister Christian Paradis. The fundraiser is considered a sign the Conservatives are preparing themselves for another election.
Harper Begins Rebuilding Québec Support
Before calling the last federal election, Harper’s government cut arts funding. It was a decision that haunted his party throughout the campaign especially in Québec, where the Conservatives took only 10 of the province’s 75 seats. Current polling numbers show Conservatives running third behind the Liberals and separatist Bloc Québécois.
At the recent fundraiser, Harper began the tough task of rebuilding his party’s Quebec support. In remarks published by the Montreal Gazette, he spoke of the growing support for his party in the province: “Our party and organization are getting stronger in all parts of Quebec including Montreal. After the next election, our minister for Montreal will be a Montreal MP” (Member of Parliament). It’s been 20 years since the last Conservative victory in the city Montreal.
He also took time in his speech to remind Quebecers to have confidence in the Canadian economy. In comments published in the same Montreal Gazette article he spoke of the pride which Quebecers should feel when comparing Canada to other countries: “When we look at what’s happening elsewhere, you can’t help but stand a little taller, and feel a little more confident as a Canadian.” Harper feels that confidence is due to good management.
Canada was among the last countries to enter the economic downturn.
Harper Continues Attacking Liberal Leader Ignatieff
The Conservatives have released attack ads arguing Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff is unfit to govern because he’s just visiting. Harper continued attacking Ignatieff, calling him the most centrist Liberal leader in the history of our country,” according to the Toronto Star. In this case the word centrist refers to making Ottawa the centre of power, instead of delegating to the provinces.
Pointing to his party’s recognition of Québec as a nation, Harper explained his own party was a more open federalist party. The attacks grew personal as Harper hinted that while traveling the country trying to sell his policies, Ignatieff was selling his most recent book too.
Harper also attacked Liberal policies, particularly the carbon tax plan, and the ideas to fix Employment insurance (EI). In remarks published by the Toronto Star, he said his own party wouldn’t tax Canadians like the Liberals would: “we the Conservatives don’t want to return to the days of permanent deficit financing by raising taxes.” As proof he pointed to his party’s recent budget.
Harper’s Conservatives hold a minority government. All three opposition parties (Liberals, New Democratic Party, and Bloc Québécois) must vote against the government in order to defeat them.
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