Harper to launch campaign Sunday

Mia Rabson September 4 WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

At 944 days, Harper will have reigned over the second longest minority government in history. He is set to ask Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean to dissolve Parliament around 9 a.m. eastern time Sunday at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. He calls the election with economic fears rising, ethical questions of his government mounting, and polls showing the Tories would certainly win at least another minority if an election is held right now. “He’s no fool. He’s calling it now because he thinks he can win,” said one Tory source. Others have suggested after spending much of the last two years taunting the Liberals to defeat his government, Harper saw the Liberals looking more and more likely to do so after parliament resumed Sept. 15. So he decided to call it himself to take control of election timing. The source added Harper and many Tories think this might be the best opportunity for them to grab a majority government.

Currently most polls suggest the Tories hold a small lead over the Liberals and are way out in front in the west. But in the battleground of Ontario, the Liberals have a significant lead, and the Tories also have ground to make up in Quebec. Much of this election will be fought in the Toronto region, Montreal and Quebec City, where the seats that will make the difference between a minority or majority are located. The election call will cancel four byelections scheduled for September in Ontario and Quebec. Three were to have been contested Monday, Sept. 8 and the other Sept. 22.

Liberal Leader Stephane Dion called an end to his party’s caucus retreat in Winnipeg early today, sending his MPs home to begin preparing for the campagin. Dion cancelled his closing speech to give his party more time to get things in place for Sunday.