Redemption: A Political Comeback

CanadianTory · #1 September 22nd, 2012, 11:16 PM

The first in what I hope will become a series. Set in 1997, Prime Minister Charest is attempting to lead the Progressive Conservatives to their fourth straight Election Victory against Liberal Leader Paul Martin.

This is my first attempt at a TL, so please bare with me, I'm new to this

Prime Minister “Optimistic” as Campaign Begins
May 8th, 1997| CBC.ca

Ottawa – Prime Minister Jean Charest sounded jubilant when asked about his government’s chances for re-election today, saying that he believed “Canadians will see through the promises of the Opposition parties”. Following his meeting with the Governor General, Election Day is slated for what many believe will be June 12, and the Governing Conservatives are attempting to pull off an electoral victory not seen since 1972, when then-Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau led the Liberals to its fourth straight victory in a row. Much the same as the Liberals of 1972, Jean Charest’s Progressive Conservatives will face an uphill battle against a formidable opponent, in this case in the form of Liberal Leader Paul Martin.

Martin, who replaced former Cabinet Minister Jean Chretien following the Liberals disappointing showing in the last election, kicked off his Campaign with an event in Montreal where he slammed the Prime Minister for what he called policy’s which were “failing Quebecers and Canadians”. With polls showing the Liberals with a commanding lead in the province as well as nationwide, many expect this to be the Liberals best chance of ending 13 years of Tory rule.

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Liberals take Early Lead; Polls Suggest
May 8th, 1997|CBC.ca

Quebec – Paul Martin spent the first day of the campaign slamming Prime Minister Charest’s handling of the economy, pointing to a recently released survey indicating an increase in the National Unemployment. Martin pointed to his experience as CEO of the Canadian Shipping Lines as an example of his ability to create jobs. Martin, who succeeded Jean Chretien three years ago, says that the Liberals are the only party to offer a credible jobs plan, reminding voters that under the PC government the deficit has been increasing dramatically, especially these past few years.

Early polling suggests the strategy is succeeding, with the Liberals having a 9-point edge on the Conservatives, 39% to 30% respectively.

When asked about the results, the Prime Minister suggested that the polls he saw suggested a much tighter race before being escorted away by security.

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Polls Show Bad news for Reform; Goods news for PCs
May 9th, 1997| CBC.ca

Ottawa – With an election a little more than a month away, Preston Manning and the Reform party are planning on pulling out all the stops this campaign, all in the hopes of reversing sliding poll numbers that appear to suggest Western conservatives have begun to float back to the Governing PCs. Manning, who decided to prop up the Charest government following the Minority result handed him last election, has received a lot of criticism these last few years, particularly from his own supporters, who claim he has sold the party out to the Government at the expense of the West. Although Manning has been able to maintain his seat count from the last election, there have been numerous instances of Reform MP’s criticizing Manning’s leadership style, with more than one MP threatening to resign.

Although the Reform Party is entering the Campaign on a more united front, criticizing the Government for what they describe as “abandoning the West”, polls show the party bleeding support to the PC’s. While many pundits point to this as good news for Jean Charest, they point out that for the most part Paul Martins Liberals still have the advantage going into this Election Campaign.

Poll:
Liberals – 39%
PC – 30%
NDP – 12%
Reform – 10%
Bloc – 9%

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d32123 · #2 September 22nd, 2012, 11:18 PM

Finally, a Canadian Political TL!

CanadianTory · #3 September 22nd, 2012, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d32123

Finally, a Canadian Political TL!

Hope you enjoy it

CanadianTory · #4 September 23rd, 2012, 01:04 AM

NDP focused on “Providing Canadians an Alternative”, Says Leader
May 11th, 1997| CBC.ca

Halifax – Spending day Three of the Campaign in her riding, NDP Leader Alexa McDonough attacked both the Liberals, who are currently leading in the polls, and the Governing Conservatives, citing both as being “out of touch” with ordinary Canadians while at the same time attempting to portray her party as a new option for Voters.

McDonough, who took over the NDP from Audrey McLaughlin following the last election, is hoping to translate Conservative unpopularity throughout the country into new seats, while at the same time hold off increasing Liberal support in both the Atlantic and the West.

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Parties shift focus to Candidates
May 11th, 1997| CTV.ca

Nova Scotia – Hoping that a slate of strong Candidates will help move enough voters in their favor, the PCs have begun to shift the focus on the future rather than the past. Candidates such as Peter Mackay, son of former Mulroney Cabinet Minister Elmer Mackay, have given the Conservatives hope that an election victory is still within their reach. Mackay, who is only 32, was the Crown Prosecutor for Central Nova Scotia, a position he says readies him for the job he hopes he will win in June.

However the PCs are not the only party with a list of prominent candidates. For the Liberals, they hope candidates such as Saskatchewans Ralph Goodale and Quebecer Denis Coderre will help cement the party’s lead during the campaign.

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Charest pins hope on the West
May 13th, 1997| CBC.ca

Alberta – Seeing the collapse of Reform as one of his only chances to win a couple more years at 24 Sussex, Prime Minister Jean Charest moved the Tory campaign bus to Alberta today in the riding belonging to none other than his Conservative challenger on the national stage, Preston Manning. Polls have begun to indicate the trend that Conservatives who supported the Reform Party in 1993 have begun to look elsewhere, with many returning back to the Progressive Conservatives. Hoping to capitalize on Reforms misfortunes, the Prime Minister promised that a re-elected PC Government would “give control of Alberta’s resources back to the people”. While many Western Conservatives have been angered at the Charest Government’s continued alienation of the Western provinces in favor of Quebec, many too refuse to support either the NDP or the Liberals

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A three-way in Quebec; according to Polls
May 13th, 1997| CTV.ca

Montreal – Polls over the last week have shown that Quebec has become a horserace between the Governing PCs, the Opposition Liberals and the Separatist Bloc Quebecois, with each hovering around the 30% mark according to most polling agencies. Although Prime Minister Charest defeated fellow Quebecers Jean Chretien and Lucien Bouchard in the last election, Quebecers have begun leaning towards the Liberals the last few months, siphoning support away from the Governing Conservatives.

Meanwhile Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe has been campaigning all over the province, in the hope of increasing the party’s presence in the House. Duceppe, who replaced former Leader Lucien Bouchard, has been campaigning on the idea that only the Bloc Quebecois can represent the values of Quebecers.

Quebec has played key roles in the last few elections, handing former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney a majority of the provinces seats during his time as Conservative Leader, as well as helping Jean Charest secure a Minority Government against then-Liberal Leader Jean Chretien, who lost his own seat to Bloc candidate Yves Duhaime.

Still it’s not all bad news for Charest, as polls indicate the Prime Ministers personal numbers are highest in Quebec, beating the Liberal leader by nearly 6 percentage points.

Poll:
Liberals – 41%
PC – 29%
NDP – 12%
Bloc – 10%
Reform – 8%

Quebec Poll:
Liberals - 31%
PC - 30%
Bloc - 29%
NDP - 9%
Reform - 1%

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MrHuman · #5 September 23rd, 2012, 01:07 AM

I will totally read this. A Canadian political TL!

CanadianTory · #6 September 23rd, 2012, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrHuman

I will totally read this. A Canadian political TL!

Why thank you

CanadianTory · #7 September 23rd, 2012, 01:54 AM

Just thought I'd let everyone know the current standings in the House

Progressive Conservatives: 121 Seats
Liberals: 101 Seats
Bloc: 34 Seats
Reform: 29 Seats
NDP: 10 Seats

Incumbent Prime Minister: The RT. Honorable Jean Charest

Any questions so far?

CanadianTory · #8 September 23rd, 2012, 01:06 PM

Jobs Report Hurts Conservatives
May 14th, 1997| CBC.ca

BC – Despite staying upbeat throughout the Campaign, Prime Minister Charest has begun to bleed support to the other Opposition parties, and with a jobs report suggesting an increase in unemployment released earlier this month, it seems like it can only get worse. Meanwhile Opposition Leader Paul Martin has used the recent Jobs numbers to fuel his momentum, promising a Liberal Government will get both the economy and the deficit under control, as well as cut the GST.

NDP Leader Alexa McDonough has attacked the Liberals for what she calls “a campaign without substance”, and instead offering her own “balanced approach” towards the deficit.

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Manning Pushes for “Stronger West”
May 14th, 1997|CBC.ca

Calgary – Hoping to push back rising PC numbers in the West, Reform Party Leader Preston Manning attacked Prime Minister Charest for continuing to “Alienate the West” in favor of Ontario and Quebec. However critics point to the fact Manning that despite the Reform Leaders criticisms of the Government, it was Manning who chose to prop up the Tories following their Minority showing in the last election.

Liberal Leader Paul Martin, who is Campaigning in Manitoba today, is attempting to use his fiscal conservatism to pull out seats in the Western provinces. While stopping in Winnipeg, Martin threw the Reform Leader and the Prime Minister in the same boat, saying both were pushing policies that would ultimately hurt the West “in the long run”.

Polls have shown that while the PCs are the favorite for the majority of Western voters, the Liberals have overtaken both the NDP and Reform as their second choice.

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Bloc Pulls ahead in Quebec: Poll
May 14th, 1997|CTV.ca

Quebec – A new poll released by Corporate Research indicates that the Separatist Bloc Quebecois have overtaken both the Progressive Conservatives and the Liberals as Quebecers first choice. With a lead of 33%, Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe has become the target of both the main parties, with the Prime Minister invoking the ‘95 Referendum in what many pundits are calling an attempt to polarize the Quebec Electorate.

As many will recall, the Victory of the Non side by a margin of 3% led to some of the Prime Ministers highest approval ratings in the Country.

Former Bloc leader Lucien Bouchard, who resigned as leader in order to help lead Separatist forces in the province, criticized Charest, calling his move proof of his “desperation”. When asked to respond, the Prime Minister replied that he didn’t think many Quebecers will believe “anything Mr. Bouchard has to say”.

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Reform MP says he’s “Disappointed” with Party Leader
May 14th, 1997|CBC.ca

Calgary – Reform MP Stephen Harper let it slip while campaigning in his riding of Calgary West that he and many other Reform MPs aren’t exactly happy with the leadership of Preston Manning. When asked by a supporter about his party’s decision to back the PCs in the last session of Parliament, Harper stated he was “disappointed” in Manning’s decision, as were many within the caucus. Harper, seeming to realize his misstep, quickly added that despite this, the Party is still behind him “100%”.

Harper, the Reform Party’s head regarding policy, was rumoured to have considered leaving Parliament before the election due to friction between him and Manning. In a statement released in February, Harper stated his commitment to both Reform and continuing to represent the people of Calgary West.

Many pundits see Harper as a possible successor to Preston Manning in the future.

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Breaking News: Prime Minister Assaulted on Campaign trail
May 14th, 1997| CBC.ca

Montreal – While campaigning in his home riding of Sherbrook, Prime Minister Charest was reported to have been “pied” in the face by an unknown male protestor. The man, who was quickly detained by the Prime Ministers security detail before being handed to Montreal Police, was also reported to have been wearing a Liberal Button. Nothing else about this man is known at this time, with Montreal Police saying that they will release such information “soon”.

When asked to comment, Liberal Leader Paul Martin called the move “appalling”, saying there was no room in politics for such actions. The Liberal leader did not comment when asked about the fact the man was wearing a Liberal Party button. In a statement, Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe called the attack “offensive” to all involved in the political process.

Some questions have been raised regarding how the man got close enough to the Prime Minister in the first place. When asked, the RCMP did not comment.

Poll:
Liberals – 41%
PC – 30%
NDP – 13%
Bloc – 9%
Reform – 7%

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d32123 · #9 September 23rd, 2012, 02:57 PM

Oh come on it's just a pie lighten up people.

CanadianTory · #10 September 23rd, 2012, 03:41 PM

Charest all Laughs as Former Prime Ministers Come Out
May 15th, 1997| CBC.ca

Quebec – The Prime Minister was back to campaigning in Quebec today, laughing off yesterdays incident, which involved a pie being thrown in the Conservative Leaders face. When asked about the protestor, the Prime Minister simply replied that he found the pie “delicious” and wished the protestor, who has yet to be identified, the very best. The PC leader further added that he thought all the coverage regarding the event was overblown, and reminded everyone in the media “to relax”.

But the Prime Minister was not alone while campaigning today, bringing out two former occupants of 24 Sussex in the hopes of reversing sliding poll numbers in favor of the Bloc Quebecois. Joe Clark, who served as Prime Minister for 8 months following his victory against Pierre Trudeau, and later as a Cabinet Minister in the Mulroney Government, hailed Charest as “the greatest option” for Quebecers, citing the strength of National Unity, which in his opinion has strengthened under Charest.

Mulroney, who served as Prime Minister from 1984 to 1993 until being replaced by Charest, chose rather to attack the other two options of preference for Quebecers, attacking the Bloc for their “single plan policy”, referring to the party’s interest in Quebec Independence. When talking about Liberal Leader Paul Martin, the former Prime Minister attacked his patriotism, pointing to the fact that under Martin some CSL Ships did not fly the Canadian Flag, a case many economists point to as a way of avoiding taxation.

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Bloc MP calls recent incident “Funny”
May 15th, 1997|CBC.ca

Quebec – A Bloc MP has found himself in a little hot water today after claiming that the incident involving the Prime Minister and a Protestor, which resulted in the Prime Minister getting a pie in the face, was “funny as Hell”.

When speaking to a group of supporters in his Riding of Saint-Maurice, MP Yves Duhaime went on to say that when he did see news of the event he did share "a long laugh with friends”. Duhaime, who defeated Opposition Leader Jean Chretien in the last election, has become one of the Bloc’s most prominent MPs in the recent Parliament.

Before that he was famously a Cabinet Minister in the Government of Rene Levesque.

When asked to comment, Prime Minister Charest simply replied that he thought it was “pretty funny too”.

Poll: What did you think of Pie Incident?

Funny: 54%

Outrageous: 14%

Don’t Care: 32%

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CanadianTory · #11 September 25th, 2012, 01:56 AM

NDP Leader Slams Conservatives and Reform
May 15th, 1997|CBC.ca

Saskatchewan – New Democratic Leader Alexa McDonough slammed both the Governing PCs and the Western Reform Party for being as she called it, “Right Wing ideologues” bent on “throwing the middle class under the bus”. McDonough, who has spent most of her time Campaigning in the Atlantic Provinces, hopes that with the collapse of Reform and the relative soft support of the Tories the NDP will emerge with a greater presence in next Parliament.

However McDonough isn’t the only Leader looking to capitalize on Conservative misfortunes. Liberal Leader Paul Martin has been rumoured to have planned the next week of his campaign entirely in the Western Provinces. Some pundits believe Martins fiscal Conservatism will translate into more seats in the West, which would help enormously towards his goal of a Majority Government.

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Former Leader “Happy” with Campaign
May 15th, 1997| CTV.ca

Quebec – Former Liberal Leader Jean Chretien was reported to have been “very happy” with the Liberal Campaign under the leadership of former rival Paul Martin. The former Trudeau Cabinet Minister went on to say that he thought Mr. Martin will become “a great Prime Minister” who will “restore fiscal sanity” to the country.

As many will remember Chretien originally beat out Martin in the divisive 1990 Liberal Leadership campaign, only to lose the Election three years later to Prime Minister Jean Charest. Many pundits point to the Leadership campaign as the primary source of Chretien’s loss, as it resulted in deep wounds for both candidates and fractured the party into two.

When reached to comment, Liberal Leader Paul Martin said he was thankful for the support, adding that he considered Chretien “a good friend and an excellent Canadian”.

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Liberals and Tories tied in Atlantic; Liberals lead Ontario
May 15th, 1997|CBC.ca

Toronto – Jean Charest’s Progressive Conservatives and Paul Martins Liberals are tied in the Atlantic Provinces according to recent telephone survey conducted by the CBC. The poll places the Governing PCs at 35% in popular support with the Liberals not too far behind at 33%. Both parties have reportedly made the Atlantic Provinces key to their individual election strategies, rolling out slates of strong candidates that include Nova Scotia’s Peter Mackay and New Brunswicker Andy Scott.

Ontario, meanwhile, is handing the Liberals a clear advantage with polls indicating the Opposition party at the 40% mark or higher. Without the support of seat rich Ontario, many pundits see Jean Charest’s path to re-election ever the more difficult.

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Prime Minister Campaigns with Deputy
May 16th, 1997|CBC.ca

Vancouver – Prime Minister Charest moved his campaign bus to Vancouver today, spending the day in the riding of Deputy Prime Minister and former leadership rival Kim Campbell. Campbell, who was defeated by Charest for the Leadership of the Progressive Conservative Party in 1993, quickly became one of the party’s strongest campaign surrogates last election. The Prime Minister hailed Campbell as an “excellent example of why more women should get in politics” and has promised to make it a priority if his Government in re-elected in June.

Campbell meanwhile pointed to Charest’s handling of the 95 Referendum as an example of the Conservative Leaders leadership, saying that had “saved the country”, keeping it together with his “bare hands”.

Some Tories view Campbell as a possible successor to Charest if he fails to win re-election this June. When asked to comment, Campbell replied that she was totally “committed to helping re-elect the Prime Minister”, adding “this time with a Majority”.

Poll:
Liberals – 39%
PC – 32%
NDP – 15%
Bloc – 9%
Reform – 5%

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CanadianTory · #12 September 26th, 2012, 02:00 AM

Cabinet:
Prime Minister: The Rt Hon Jean Charest
Deputy Prime Minister: The Hon. Kim Campbell
Minister of Justice: The Hon. Kim Campbell
Leader of the Government in the Senate: The Hon. Lowell Murray
Minister of National Defence: The Hon. Bill Casey
Minister of Public Works and Government Services: The Hon. Patrick Boyer
Minister responsible for the Status of Women: The Hon. Lise Bourgault
Minister of Foreign Affairs: The Hon. Doug Lewis
President of the Treasury Board: The Hon. Gilles Loiselle
Minister of Finance: The Hon. Jim Edwards
Leader of the Government in the House: The Hon. Perrin Beatty
Minister of Citizenship and Immigration: The Hon. Gerry Weiner
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food: The Hon. Pierre Blais
Minister of Industry: The Hon. Peter McCreath
Minister of Canadian Heritage: The Hon. Larry Schneider
Minister of Transport: The Hon. Bill McKnight
Minister of Health: The Hon. Mary Collins
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans: The Hon. Bernard Valcourt
Minister of the Environment: The Hon. Loyola Hearn
Minister of Labor: The Hon. Paul Dick
Minister of National Revenue: The Hon. Pierre H. Vincent
Minister of Indian Affairs: The Hon. Ross Reid
Minister for International Cooperation: The Hon. Tom Hockin
Minister of Veteran Affairs: The Hon. Peter McCreath
Minister for International Trade: The Hon. Fernand Jourdenais
Minister of Natural Resources: The Hon. Garth Turner
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs: The Hon. Bill McKnight
Minister of ACOA: The Hon. Loyola Hearn
Minister Responsible for La Francophonie:The Hon. Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Sport: The Hon. Tom Hockin

Did my best, hope your enjoying everything so far

Van555 · #13 September 26th, 2012, 02:37 AM

better than reform Tories I guess...

CanadianTory · #14 September 26th, 2012, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Van555

better than reform Tories I guess...

Maybe, depends on which direction I take the PC's

Van555 · #15 September 26th, 2012, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanadianTory

Maybe, depends on which direction I take the PC's

I assume your taking them in a more moderate direction based on your sig.

CanadianTory · #16 September 27th, 2012, 12:15 AM

Liberal Leader Campaigns in Atlantic
May 16th, 1997| CBC.ca

Fredericton – Liberal Leader Paul Martin joined New Brunswick Premier Frank McKenna in the Provinces Capital today, kicking off what the Opposition Leader called the “beginning of a turnaround” for the Atlantic Provinces. Some political analysts point to the recent CBC poll that indicated the Governing PCs and Liberals were tied in the East Coast as the reason for Martins sudden appearance in New Brunswick.

The Liberal Leader took time to praise the popular Liberal Premier, calling him “an example of what a Liberal Majority can do”. McKenna, who further increased his Majority with his 95 win against former Provincial PC Leader Scott MacGregor, praised Martin as “the Leader this Country needs”.

Interim Conservative Leader Percy Mockler called the Liberal Rally “A crock”, further suggesting his Party will throw the Liberals out of power in the next provincial election. Rumors have suggested the Premier might step down before then.

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Party Leader says debate “Will Matter”
May 16th, 1997| CBC.ca

Edmonton – Speaking to reporters, Reform Leader Preston Manning indicated that the upcoming Leaders debate will “decide much of the election”.

Currently scheduled for May 22nd, many pundits agree every leader has something riding on the debates result. For Manning it will mark his second national debate as leader, as well as his best chance to re-secure the Western Conservative vote from Prime Minister Charest before Election Day. For Charest it very may well be the toughest battle of his career, needing to topple both Martin while pushing against the expected attacks from the other three opposition leaders.

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CanadianTory · #17 September 27th, 2012, 06:58 PM

Liberal Leader Continues Atlantic Push
May 17th, 1997| CBC.ca

Charlottetown – Liberal Leader Paul Martin moved his Campaign Bus to PEI today, continuing his Atlantic Tour which he has promised will be “the beginning of a turnaround” for the Atlantic Provinces. Martin, who began the Tour yesterday in New Brunswick, is expected to spend only part of the day on the Island before moving on to Newfoundland. It has been reported that the Liberal Leader intends to skip Nova Scotia as polls show the province solidly leaning towards Jean Charest and the Progressive Conservative candidates such as former Crown Prosecutor Peter MacKay.

PEI Premier Pat Binns welcomed the Opposition Leader, but stated that his Province will remain blue on Election Day.

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Prime Minister Campaigns in BC
May 17th, 1997| CBC.ca

Victoria – Prime Minister Jean Charest has decided to spend another day of the Campaign in the province of British Columbia today, sparking rumors that the Leader may consider the former Tory stronghold as competitive this time around. The Prime Minister dodged questions about his decision to remain in the province, stating that he simply wanted “to give each of our Candidates a hand”. Reports obtained by the CBC indicate that the Prime Ministers campaign was to move to Ontario today and remain there for the next few days. Polls indicate that the Liberals have an overwhelming Lead in the Province, with the Latest poll suggesting a 14 point lead for the Opposition Party.

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Tory Candidate takes lead, Says Poll
May 17th, 1997| CBC.ca

Halifax – Former Crown Prosecutor Peter MacKay has taken a sizable lead against his Liberal opponent Francis Leblanc, with polls indicated the Conservative Candidate with a 12 point lead in the riding. MacKay, who is the son of former Mulroney Cabinet Minister Elmer MacKay, is one of the Tories Star Candidates in the Campaign, and has become key to their Eastern strategy. When reached for comment MacKay stated that while he is “pleased” with the poll, he will still be campaigning as if he were “Ten points down”.

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NDP Leader Moves to Ontario
May 17th, 1997| CBC.ca

Toronto – Hoping to chip into the Liberals high polling numbers, NDP Leader Alexa McDonough has shifted her Party’s focus to Ontario. Campaigning with Broadview-Greenwood Candidate Jack Layton, McDonough attacked both major parties for “selling out the Middle Class”, a line she has begun to use frequently in the Campaign, saying that candidates such as Layton would fight for “struggling Canadians”.

Layton, son of former Conservative Cabinet Minister Bob Layton, who served under Prime Minister Brian Mulroney in 80’s, praised his leader as “an example of true leadership”.

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Bloc Leader Campaigns with Predecessor
May 17th, 1997| CBC.ca

Quebec City – Hoping to cement his lead going into the French debate, Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe decided to bring out former Leader Lucien Bouchard along the Campaign trail.

Bouchard, who left the Mulroney government in order to create the Federal counterpart of the Separatist Parti Quebecois, managed only to make a dent in the Governments standing in the province last election. Following the results, the former Bloc Leader resigned the leadership, returning to the Province to begin plans for what would become the 95 Referendum. In that case he was defeated by Prime Minister Charest a second time, quickly resulting in his departure from active politics.

The former Cabinet Minister still remains popular with many in the Province, a fact that Duceppe hopes will increase his lead against the Prime Minister.

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CanadianTory · #18 September 30th, 2012, 12:42 AM

Liberal Leader Campaigns in Newfoundland
May 18th, 1997| CBC.ca

St. John’s – Spending day three of his Atlantic Tour in Newfoundland, Liberal Leader Paul Martin joined Liberal Premier Brian Tobin at a rally in the Provinces capital, with the Premier introducing the Opposition Leader as “the next Prime Minister of Canada”.

Tobin, a former MP and the second Liberal Premier to campaign with the Liberal Leader this week, was elected Premier last year in a continuation of Liberal rule in the Province and has quickly emerged as a rising star in the party.

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Conservative Leader Promises “Accountability”
May 18th, 1997| CBC.ca

Hamilton – Coming off a two day stint in British Colombia, Progressive Conservative Leader Jean Charest finally moved his Bus to Ontario, one day later then his campaign schedule originally indicated. Charest, who has begun to embrace recent polling numbers, referred to himself as the “underdog” of the election but insisted that it was a role he “has become use to”.

While speaking at a rally in northern Hamilton, the Prime Minister pledged that a re-elected Conservative government would bring “accountability back into government”. Some critics point to the pledge as an attempt to sweep the Governments record under the rug.

Premier Mike Harris was originally supposed to campaign with the Federal Conservative Leader but declined due to earlier commitments.

Many have described the relationship between the Prime Minister and the Premier as “strained” and point to the Premiers no show as an example of a deteriorated relationship.

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Leaders Avoid Manitoba
May 18th, 1997| CBC.ca

Winnipeg – In what seems to be a move motivated solely by Politics, the Leaders of Canada’s main political parties have avoided what has become known as the “Red River Flood”, which has affected both the city of Winnipeg and numerous northern States such as Minnesota.

Some columnists suggest the Leaders want to avoid the perception of taking advantage of the crises for political gain and with every party attempting to maintain a tightly scripted campaign; it’s unlikely any of them will make a visit to the Province anytime soon.

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