The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
A fragmented electorate will head to the polls in less than five weeks with Prime Minister Paul Martin having set the next federal election for June 28. Martin, who called the election Sunday, will continue to defend his record against ongoing criticism from Conservative Party Leader Stephen Harper and New Democratic Party Leader Jack Layton in what is shaping up to be an intriguing race. Despite western alienation and outrage over the sponsorship scandal, the Liberals, according to polls, remain the party of choice for the largest segment of voters. A new CanWest-Global News survey puts support for the Liberals at 39 per cent compared to the 31 per cent of the Conservatives. The NDP remained a distant third with 17 per cent, followed by the Bloc Quebecois at 11 per cent. If the results hold true come election time, the Liberals might become Canada's first minority federal government since the days of Joe Clark in 1979. When asked about party leaders, a separate survey suggests that Canadians believe Martin would be the most capable prime minister out of the candidates. The Environics Research poll found 46 per cent of respondents felt that way about Martin, more than three times higher than the 14 per cent garnered by Harper. Martin, Harper, and Layton have been gearing up for the election for months, appearing on television with greater frequency and carefully polishing their messages to the voters. Prime Minister Paul Martin, 65, says health care is at the top of his government's agenda and backed up that statement last week by announcing $2 billion for provinces and territories to help address health care costs. While appearing to distance himself from the Chretien government in which he served as finance minister for nearly nine years, Martin has also been speaking of enhancing social programs, growing the economy, and strengthening Canada's voice on the world stage. See 'Tax' P.# Con't from P.# "My government will ensure that Canada plays an influential role in the world Ð a role that inspires pride," said the prime minister. Martin is also defending his party's taxation policies, saying that lower taxes would come at the expense of social programs that Canadians value. Conservative Leader Stephen Harper, 45, has been revving up his base by pledging tax cuts and painting the Liberals as a party all too eager to overtax Canadians. "I think (the Liberals) are going to run on a slogan Ñ 'Tax me, I'm Canadian,'" the former economics instructor told supporters over the weekend. "We'll strive to make this not the highest spending country in the world, but the lowest taxing one," he added. Harper continues to be an outspoken critic of Liberal controversies like the gun registry and the sponsorship scandal, promising a return to "accountable government" if elected prime minister. Health care is also a cornerstone of the Conservative agenda, with the party vowing to bring in more doctors and nurses and reduce waiting lists at hospitals. As well, Harper is ready to increase spending on the military, which many Canadians of all political stripes believe is underfunded. The platform of NDP Leader Jack Layton, 53, consists of "eight key pledges" to Canadians, including the protection of, and additional federal funding for, the public health care system. The former Toronto city councillor is also focusing on issues like cheaper post-secondary tuition and lowering the cost of living through measures like removing the GST from family essentials like children's clothing. In addition, Layton has made the environment a major part of his strategy, promising cleaner energy and vehicles that produce less pollution. All this Ñ and more Ñ can be done while maintaining a balanced budget, in the NDP Leader's view. "These are practical, achievable measures. They will help make life better for everyday Canadians and they represent a positive choice for people," Layton said. June 28 will mark Canada's 38th general election since Confederation. The previous election took place place in November 2000. Hoping to occupy the Parliament seat for Flin Flon and the rest of the Churchill Riding are incumbent Bev Desjarlais of the NDP, Chief Ron Evans of the Liberals, and Bill Archer of the Conservatives.5/25/2004
