Nov. 17/05

Clearing the Decks for a Christmas Campaign
 

In factual tones, news reports pointed out all four parties agreed to fast track key pieces of legislation, including low-income heating rebates, before a Christmas election campaign.

Several front pages, including National Post, Montreal Gazette, Ottawa Citizen, Calgary Herald and Vancouver Sun, deliver message from Ipsos-Reid poll that Liberal strategy of blaming opposition parties for a Christmas campaign is not connecting with voters.

Poll finds 78% of respondents said Christmas campaign will not affect their voting decision.

Media coverage noted Paul Martin left on his last international trip as prime minister under the current government, headed for a meeting of APEC countries in South Korea. PM Martin restated his commitment to hold an election following release of the final Gomery report, while acknowledging Opposition parties could force an election sooner.

News reports explained that Conservative Leader Stephen Harper provided the clearest timetable yet for the first defeat of a minority government in Canada in 25 years.

Harper said the Conservative Party planned to introduce a motion of non-confidence on Nov. 24 with the support of the NDP and Bloc Quebecois, with a vote to take place the following Monday, Nov. 28.

Media coverage emphasized the timing allows a First Ministers’ Meeting on aboriginal issues to proceed, after several days of uncertainty.

In negative tones, Globe and Mail coverage points out Liberal campaign co-char David Herle received sole-sourced $23,112 government contract to provide Finance Minister Ralph Goodale communications advice and polling on Liberal mini-budget. Finance Department said Herle only billed $3,852 for the work.

Decima Research received $320,000 for polls and focus groups on the budget, and reaction to Minister Goodale’s presentation.

 

Lifeline Communications Group Inc.

‘We make the news make sense’

ELECTION ANALYSIS 2005

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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