Speaking in a diner in Strathroy, a Southwestern Ontario city in a riding currently held by the Liberals, Martin attacked Stephen Harper's remarks about the Liberal-appointed Senate, civil service and courts.
Harper said that no matter how many seats his party wins in the election, he won't hold a true majority in Parliament. He said his party's plans would be obstructed by Liberal senators and judges.
"He said you don't need to worry, the public service will stop me, the courts will stop me," Martin said. "He doesn't have to worry about others stopping him. On Jan. 23, Canadians are going to stop him."
Liberal Leader Paul Martin in Strathroy Ont., Wednesday
Harper explained his comments on Wednesday, telling reporters he accepts that judges are independent, and hopes that the Liberal-dominated Senate won't obstruct the work of a Conservative government.
The Senate is currently appointed – which Harper said he wants to change – and shouldn't challenge the will of the elected House of Commons.
A series of polls in the past week have shown the Conservatives carrying the momentum across the country.
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Martin has been striking back, and continued to do so on Wednesday accusing Layton of giving the Conservatives a free pass.
With CAW leader Buzz Hargrove at his side, Martin appealed to "progressive voters" to vote Liberal to block the Tories.
"We are saying to the progressive voters in this country: come together, there's a lot at stake," Martin said.
Hargrove said Conservative Leader Stephen Harper's views on the devolution of provincial powers are in line with separatist views in Quebec.
He said Quebecers should vote for the Bloc Québécois to stop the Conservatives.
In Toronto, Harper responded to Hargrove's comments by saying they were bad for Canada and urged Martin to distance himself from them.
