"I see that Paul Martin was out there attacking New Brunswick today," Harper told 300 supporters. "He's claiming the New Brunswick government is slow to take action – this from a man we affectionately call Mr. Dithers."
Martin had been through New Brunswick earlier in the day, and was asked why it's taking so long to clean up the Saint John harbour. Martin said the money was there. "Sometimes things take longer in New Brunswick."
Premier Bernard Lord, who was at the Harper rally, said he wasn't taking offence at Martin's comments and didn't care for an apology.
Stephen Harper in Fredericton with Bernard Lord, Tuesday.
"It's just politicking," Lord said. "The prime minister wants to come to town and politic. That's his choice."
Lord did a little politicking of his own, coming out in support of Harper's child-care plan, which would give $100 a month to parents of young children instead of putting federal money into state-supported day care.
"I was asked by a reporter, 'That means your government gets less money,'" Lord said. "I understand that. But I'm not here for the government. I'm here for the people, I'm here for the parents, I'm here for the children."
The Liberals and Conservatives are campaigning hard in Atlantic Canada, where every provincial government is Conservative, but the Liberals have dominated in recent federal votes. The Tories believe Lord's support will help them win more federal seats in New Brunswick.
This week, Harper has sought support from both Lord and Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams. On Wednesday, he was to meet with another Tory premier, Prince Edward Island's Pat Binns.
