Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff recently vowed to bring the Harper government down at the earliest opportunity. The Bloc Québécois (BQ), and New Democratic Party (NDP) appear at this point to back Ignatieff. All three opposition parties must vote against the government in order to force an election.
Bloc Québécois, Liberals Unveil Election Ads
The Bloc Québécois (BQ) is a separatist party running exclusively in Quebec. They advocate for the province’s interests on the federal stage, and have Quebec separation as part of their mandate. In remarks published by the Canadian Press, party leader Gilles Duceppe said the possibility of an election was fairly high: “I've acquired over recent days across Quebec, the firm conviction that barring a major change, there will be an election." The Bloc has named candidates in 67 of the province’s 75 ridings.
The BQ unveiled election ads painting Harper, and Ignatieff as two sides of the same coin. The print ads will carry black and white photos of the two men, with the caption: “Two parties, one option.” Later in the same Canadian Press article, Duceppe called Harper inflexible: “Mr. Ignatieff was clear- he can no longer back away. As for Mr. Harper, he is inflexible and has not given any sign of openness.” Duceppe hasn’t revealed a start date for the print ads.
The Liberals meanwhile, unveiled their own ad on facebook and YouTube. The first entitled: “worldview” is a direct rebuttal to the Conservatives attack ads, which say, Michael Ignatieff is just visiting. It’s a 30 second ad featuring Ignatieff dressed in a blue shirt, in a woodland setting. The ads strike a positive tone, ending with Ignatieff saying, “I know Canadians can take on the world and win.”
The Liberals are being more aggressive in Quebec. Their French language ads feature a photo of Michael Ignatieff on a black background, with text reading: “voters deserve better.” Their English ads feature the text: we can do better. Party officials say the main goal of the ads is to contrast Ignatieff with Harper.
The Conservatives have said any possible fall campaign is unnecessary, and would jeopardize Canada’s economic recovery. In comments published by the Toronto Star, Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said the Liberal ads were an attempt to revitalize Ignatieff: “Michael Ignatieff is trying to recast himself as a man of the people, a leader who can be entrusted with the Canadian economy.” Parliament begins its fall session on September 14th.
NDP Closes Door On Deal With Conservatives
Initially, NDP Leader Jack Layton left room for negotiation with the Conservatives to avoid an election. The NDP priorities have included changes to Employment Insurance (EI), pensions, ATM fees, and credit card rules. In a Globe& Mail article dated: Friday September 4th, he left the door open to a possible deal while saying he would make no “backroom deals” with the Prime Minister.
Layton has since changed his mind, saying in Toronto Star article dated: September 9th Harper was keen for an election: “It seems to me that Mr. Harper is gung-ho about going out into the schoolyard and having a rumble with Mr. Ignatieff.” He suggested there was no chance of a deal. Layton’s NDP has 36 seats, enough to make a difference if he, and Harper do come to a deal and avoid an election.
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