Nov. 11/05

The Campaign Begins

 

In factual tones, national print coverage observed that Opposition parties launched procedural efforts in earnest to force an early election.

Conservative finance critic Monte Solberg delivered clear message that Finance Minister Ralph Goodale should not use a Parliamentary committee as an election prop for announcing Liberal campaign budget.

Developing coverage will shift from mini-budget contents to election maneuvering, as Opposition seeks to shut down committee before Minister Goodale can make Liberal party’s presentation.

News reports also suggest aboriginals are becoming election pawns, as Prime Minister Paul Martin invites opposition leaders to put politics aside and attend upcoming First Ministers’ Meeting on native issues.

· Media coverage points out election campaign is underway in all but name, with leaders keeping a busy schedule of events across the country.

· Most Remembrance Day front pages move past looming election to address avian flu, a medicare confrontation between Quebec and Ottawa, and free needles in prisons.

 

Minority Parliament Countdown

 

Lifeline Communications will provide ongoing daily analysis of national and regional media coverage as news developments build towards the possible collapse of Canada’s first minority parliament 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’ voters may decide on election day.