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On the heels of one of the worst-kept secrets in Canadian political history, Prime Minister Paul Martin dissolved Parliament today, and early this afternoon called for a federal election to be held on June 28th.
Allison Dunfield and Darren Yourk, throughout their story in The Globe and Mail, suggest that Martin is in real trouble with a ‘volatile’ electorate, not least because of the ongoing sponsorship scandal, an issue which has dogged the Martin forces for months. Nonetheless, Martin seems intent on putting forward a positive platform, based on core Canadian values, a strong health care system, and respect for the Canadian cultural mosaic.
“The Liberal Party stands for a balanced approach where economic prosperity matches social justice,” Mr. Martin said. “An all inclusive approach that respects our differences. To those who share our values as Canadians, to those who see Canada as we do, I ask for your support.”
Meanwhile, the Conservative Party — a federal coalition of Bush, Mike Harris, and Gordon Campbell acolytes — is attempting to paint itself as a moderate government in waiting. “For the first time in generations, Canadians have a choice that is moderate, modern and mainstream,” Harper says. Yep, that’s right. And the moon is made of cheese, too, and Stephen’s name is Sally.
The New Democrats have this ad at the ready, pretty much encapsulating their strategy over the next month, although one would have to think that the federal election campaign is bound to become signifcantly less sanguine and much more sanguinary over the course of the next month.
