Party leaders launch second-half strategy
Last Updated: Monday, January 2, 2006 | 9:48 PM ET
CBC News
The Conservatives' Stephen Harper was first out of the gate, appearing at a morning rally in Ottawa where he reminded voters of his party's top five priorities.
Harper reiterated that his party will work to deliver clean and accountable government, reduce the GST, increase financial assistance for parents with kids in child care, and eliminate the fiscal imbalance.
He also promised to crack down on crime, referring to the Boxing Day shooting in Toronto that killed an innocent 15-year-old girl.
Stephen Harper makes a point during a news conference in Saguenay, Que.,Monday, Jan. 2, 2006. (CP photo)
"That is not the Toronto I grew up in," Harper said. "We would not have tolerated such violence then and Torontontians should not tolerate such violence today."
With three weeks remaining to the Jan. 23 vote, polls suggest the Conservatives and Liberals are running neck and neck.
Liberal Leader Paul Martin, who stopped at an Ottawa bagel shop to chat with customers, used Monday's relaunch to set up what he wants the key ballot question to be – the role of government and what values should be possessed by a prime minister.
Martin took aim at Harper, saying the two have a "very clear division of values" and that he believes Canadians prefer the Liberal style of governing.
"We believe government's role is out there to promote the common good and to help Canadian families. Mr. Harper believes in fending for one's self," said Martin.
NDP head Jack Layton, who is trying to keep his party from being squeezed out in the race between the Conservatives and Liberals, encouraged voters to bring about change by putting more New Democrat members in Parliament.
"There's going to be real change that comes from the people of this country who are tired of being played by Paul Martin's Liberals," said Layton.
Polls have indicated some NDP voters could switch to the Liberals on voting day in order to keep out a Conservative government.
Layton said Canadians need more New Democrat MPs to protect the public health-care system and fight for students and seniors.
- FROM JAN. 2, 2006: Green party releases platform
Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe visited his Montreal campaign office to greet volunteers. Duceppe, whose party has about 50 per cent support in Quebec, says he has no plans to launch a negative campaign.
The Green party's head, Jim Harris, released his party's election platform in Ottawa.
