It's back on the hustings for Gilles Duceppe this morning, like all the other party leaders. The debates over with, now the home stretch of the campaign gets underway. So, for a Quebec sovereigntist politician, what better place to kick it off than.... Toronto?

Tim Duboyce

Duceppe's organizers are dismissing critics who have suggested Duceppe is wasting a campaign day in a place where — even if he were a huge hit — the party can expect no new votes since Bloc candidates only appear on the ballot in ridings in the province of Quebec. They say media coverage of Duceppe speaking to a recognized and influential group will be noted by voters in Quebec, and may help persuade some to vote for the Bloc.

Adding to the unusual campaign day, a last minute change on the itinerary: generally, Duceppe comes and goes from the Nation's Capital via the airport in Gatineau, Que., in part for symbolic reasons. (His residence is also on the Quebec side of the river). But, I just got a call (at 6:23 a.m. ET) from one of Duceppe's wagonmasters to say the flight to Toronto will in fact depart from Ottawa International.

— Tim Duboyce