With only a week behind us in the federal campaign, much has been achieved. The parties are rolling out their platforms, and polling is beginning to stabilize so that we can better predict the outcome of this race. Here in Esquimalt - Juan de Fuca, things took a while to get going but now are appearing much better in the NDPs favour. Specifically, our campaign office is up and running, signs are going up everywhere, and calls are being made to voters. You can feel the election in the air, and it's a wonderful feeling.
There have even been a few policy announcements thus far on the campaign. The Conservatives have stood for abolishing the long gun registry, removing per vote subsidies, health tax credits and assisting job creators. Ignatieff and his team released their education plan based on "Iggy bucks" and pledged to roll back corporate taxes until releasing a platform that doesn't match their actions in Parliament. The NDP meanwhile announced they would gradually double pension plans across the country, and invest $700 million to lift every senior out of poverty. Layton also called for a "Helmets-to-Hardhats" program to assist returning soldiers transition back into the work force, capping credit card rates, and hiring thousands of more doctors and nurses. Finally, the NDP leader pledged to cancel oil subsidies and invest in clean energy for the future.
As far as polling goes, the Conservatives appear to be gaining support up to 41% (majority government territory), while the Liberals have gained support at the expense of the NDP but not in all polls. Other polls show we have grown to about 20% or 21%. The Bloc and the Greens are also holding steady. With only a week into the campaign we have seen no dramatic changes to the electorates voting intentions since the drop of the writ. We've only got four more weeks left, and I can't wait!
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