ELECTION ANALYSIS 2005

Text Box: Nov. 13/05 Election Before Christmas - CTV CTV News kicked election speculation into overdrive, reporting the Conservatives plan to topple the minority Liberal government on Tuesday. Citing sources in the party, CTV News said Conservative Leader Stephen Harper planned to introduce a non-confidence motion in the House of Commons, and will discuss the strategy when he meets other opposition leaders on Sunday. Defeating the Liberals Tuesday would likely lead to an election day in the third week of December. Developing coverage will focus intensely on whether Opposition parties will follow through on the Conservative plan, and assess the impact of moving up Election Day to before Christmas. Print coverage pointed out Prime Minister Paul Martin was in full campaign mode Saturday, tossing bocce balls in Montreal and announcing $2.5 million to honour 700 Italian-Canadians unjustly interned during World War II. Front page Montreal Gazette coverage positioned PM Martin as accusing opposition parties of obstructing immigration proposals to reunite immigrant families Toronto Star coverage described EKOS Research poll as showing Liberals still remain far short of support needed for a majority government

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.

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