Quebec's largest trade union organization — the Quebec Federation of Labour — is staging a "big" rally to throw some support behind the Bloc Québécois, leader Gilles Duceppe, and most importantly, the party's candidate in the riding of Jonquière-Alma.

This is the riding of Jean-Pierre Blackburn, who as Stephen Harper's labour minister has sparked the ire of organized labour and business by deciding to cut a federal fund for non-profit organizations that help foster entrepreneurship and job creation in smaller communities.

Tonight's show promises to include firey speeches railing against the Conservatives, in the hopes of pushing Bloc hopeful, Chantale Bouchard, over the top and turn her into a giant killer.

The room, a convention hall at the Holiday Inn, is all decked out with lights, posters, and giant sound systems. There are three electric guitars and a drumset perched on the stage. Most importantly, there is seating for about 450 people.

But alas, what's this? An hour before showtime, a uniformed crew of hotel staff comes marching in, and on the orders of organizers, begins sliding out giant floor-to-ceiling room dividers, cutting the hall in half.

Asked why, the guy who looks like he's in charge explains it is important to make the place "look" full, and expected turnout remains a little dicey.

— Tim Duboyce