![Text Box: Dec. 2/05
Tory GST Cut Dominates Campaign
Print and television news reports positioned Conservative Leader Stephen Harper as dominating the election campaign with his promise to cut the GST to 5%.
Media coverage observed the campaign promise left other parties scrambling to respond. News reports explained the GST cut cornered the Liberal Party on its previous broken promise to scrap the tax, portraying the governing party as untrustworthy, unconcerned about real Canadians, and unable to deliver meaningful tax relief.
In mostly positive tones, the Tory promise received intense national media attention, leading network newscasts and fronting newspapers across the country. [CBC News, CTV News, Globe A1, Nat Post A1, Tor Star A1, Mon Gaz A1, Ott Cit A1, Cgy Hld A1, Van Sun A1]
POLLARA chairman Michael Marzolini said he repeatedly pushed for GST cuts in previous Liberal campaigns, but was rebuffed by strategists. [Globe A8] Allan Gregg from Strategic Counsel called it a powerful policy that will resonate with voters. [CTV News] Donna Dasko from Environics said the promise has appeal, with 49 per cent saying in a 2003 poll that a GST cut would top Canadians’ list of tax reductions. [Ott Cit A4]
Various economists commented in media reaction that cutting personal income taxes would provide more effective relief. Bill Robson from the CD Howe Institute said GST cuts are not the best way to promote saving, investment, and living standard increases. Jason Clements from the Fraser Institute opposed cutting the GST, and Dale Orr from Global Insight said broad-based tax cuts would be better for the economy. [CBC News, Ott Cit A4]
Overshadowed by GST coverage, CTV News reported a new Strategic Counsel poll showing little change in voter intentions up to Nov. 27.
The survey found 66% felt Stephen Harper’s message of change was “very” or “somewhat” believable, compared to 44% who found Paul Martin’s message about a strong economy to be “very” or “somewhat” believable.
Media coverage for a Leger Marketing survey suggested the Bloc Quebecois is running out of steam with voters in the province, and could actually lose seats to the Liberals. [Mon Gaz A13, Nat Post A11, Ott Cit A7]
Liberal Leader Paul Martin was described as getting a cool reception during a campaign stop in Cornwall, Ont., the day after Domtar announced plans to close a major plant in the city. [CBC News, CTV News, Ott Cit A3, Nat Post A10]
News reports also highlighted a new report from Global Insight, concluding the federal government has been a drag on strong economic performance, and not a catalyst as claimed by the ruling Liberal Party. [Nat Post A13]
Prominent coverage for other campaign developments included:
NDP Leader Jack Layton announced a new auto policy in Oshawa, in the wake of sweeping job cuts by General Motors, the city’s main employer. Layton promised research and investment for development of environmental cars. [Ott Cit A3]
Troubled Liberal star candidate Michael Ignatieff was quoted in a Harvard University student newspaper saying he would ask to return to his teaching job in the United States if he lost his election bid. [Globe A4]
Jean Pelletier, former chief of staff to prime minister Jean Chretien, filed his own motion in Federal Court seeking to invalidate Justice Gomery’s findings about his involvement in the Quebec sponsorship scandal. [Ott Cit A5]](Dec_2_files/image303.gif)
|
Canada Votes 2006
Lifeline Communications will provide ongoing daily analysis of national and regional media coverage during Canada’s first winter election campaign in 25 years.
Our media analysis will track the tone of news reports, columns, editorials and opinion pieces. Lifeline Communications will assess efforts of political parties to frame national issues, deliver key messages through the news media, and define the ‘ballot question’ issues voters will decide January 23, 2006. |
|
Resources |
|
Media Links |
