September 13, 2008

Harper's Attack on Campbell's Tax

You have to hand it to Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams, he doesn't pull his punches. Speaking to the St. John's Board of Trade on September 10th, Williams called Prime Minister Stephen Harper a "fraud" who has broken written promises. Williams went on to warn that the future of all Canadians "will be very bleak under a Conservative majority".

The clear position taken by Premier Williams stands in contrast to Premier Gordon Campbell's silence, even though Campbell's hated carbon tax is a prime target in Harper's election strategy. Campaigning in BC on September 12th, Liberal leader Stéphane Dion called Campbell a "hero" for implementing a carbon tax. British Columbians have far different words when it comes to describing their arrogant Premier and his tax, which Harper describes as "risky" and "a tax on everything".

There are at least two reasons why Campbell hasn't responded to the attacks on his carbon tax. First, he's having trouble in the polls and may have realized that his carbon tax helped start his downturn. Defending it ties him more firmly to the unpopular Dion and closes options for backing away from the tax in the February budget, although many pundits think Campbell is too stubborn to admit his mistake. Second, Campbell's party is a coalition of federal liberals and conservatives. Federal elections always put strains on Campbell's coalition, and this election is worse than most for such tensions. Meanwhile, New Democrats who work in the federal campaign are also likely to be the key volunteers in the provincial campaign. They are polishing their skills and updating their records of sign locations, volunteers and other essential election information. They are also having a chuckle over Harper's attack on Campbell's tax.

Jack Layton is not only outperforming Dion, but he is laying solid groundwork for Carole James. With BC's fixed election date, the provincial campaign will move into high gear shortly after the Christmas holidays. We can expect to see the popular Layton appearing together with James at events throughout BC.