Canadians will vote before Americans
All signs are now pointing to an election this fall in Canada. Harper is going to meet with the three opposition leaders and determine if a productive session is possible. If it is not, he has threatened to call an election. Stephane Dion is taking a lot of heat for having his MPs sit on their hands. The summer has largely seen election style speeches from both leaders. Events are becoming election rallies. Harper in Mississauga and Dion in Oakville is likely a preview of what we will see and hear in the upcoming campaigns. The by-elections also present an opportunity to test a few messages and make a final decision on the general election based on the results of these four contests. The Conservatives are ready for an election at anytime. Most candidates have been selected. The party has done a great job with raising funds and maintaining election readiness in each of the local ridings. It is unclear how ready the Liberal party is for a national campaign at this point. It is also unclear if Layton will pull the trigger if Dion decides to vote against a confidence motion. Layton and the NDP are in a serious fight with the Green Party for third place. The Bloc is also struggling to maintain their purpose with no talks of a referendum.
Right now it looks like the biggest issues will be the economy, environment, Afghanistan, crime and likely ethics. Most are predicting another minority based on regional considerations but anything can happen during campaign that requires voters to pay more attention to politics.
Election fever is clearly in the air. I think there is a good chance we will see one in the next couple of weeks. I predict Canadians will be voting before the Americans decide who will be the next president. Of course I have been wrong before largely because Dion allowed the Conservative agenda to pass by abstaining or not showing up for votes. This time Dion might not get the opportunity to avoid one should Harper take matters into his own hands. I do not think the US race will have much impact on how Canada votes. There are few comparisons between Obama and Dion and the major issues are different in America. The only impact you will see from the US elections might be some of the tactics used over there might come here. For example, I think the internet is going to play a huge role this time in the Canadian election.
Get the signs printed, buses ordered and campaign speeches written. It is election time in Canada!
-Darryl
