Amid tough economic times and rising unemployment, support for the federal Conservatives continues to languish at rock-bottom levels while the Liberals have reclaimed their place as the dominant federal party in Quebec, according to a new poll.
The Bloc will take whatever inducements it is given; the NDP will wear its best shit-eating grin. In the end, and it will be a ways down the road, we will talk about how the Tories were trapped by their own legislation (Bill C-16, the fixed election date legislation), which prevents a government from going into its year 5 death spiral.
But until then, get used to what you see. Because what you see (Stalemate! Caretaker Government!) is what you're gonna get.
Fixed election date? Ah, that didn't stop Harper last fall - if numbers went his way - he'd call another election.
ReplyDeleteHe would, but Isuspect BCL's post is premised on the notion that things will continue this way for the LPC.
ReplyDeleteA delay does not hurt the liberals. The numbers in Quebec will not necessarily translate into seats as apparently they have no one on the ground there. This time would benefit them as they can build up their grassroots support in time for the election.
Basically, Gayle, I can't see a Tory recovery even if we get an economic bounce back. It will "feel" like a recession for a couple of years yet. I frankly see them just hanging on for as long as they can.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe this excuse for a gov't will last that long.
ReplyDeleteThat said, the current EI concession (or something damn close) could have been easily extracted from Harper last January in light of the dubious decision not to proceed with the coalition gov't.
We share lots of blame if the Con gov't and the resulting malaise does last till 20012!