CANADA ELECTION ANALYSIS 2005

Text Box: Nov. 19/05 Conservatives Rethinking Tax Cut Position
Some media items highlighted a Conservative internal memo suggesting several Tory MPs are upset about supporting tax cuts in the Liberal mini-budget. News reports point to a note to caucus from Conservative House Leader Jay Hill stating Stephen Harper is reconsidering the party’s position in votes next week on the tax cut measures. Media coverage emphasizes a Conservative change of heart would not trigger an early election, because the mini-budget will still be supported by the Bloc Quebecois. Conservative second thoughts on tax cuts came as national coverage took a breather Saturday. Election stories moved off front pages across the country, and were far fewer in number. Conservative campaign manager John Reynolds predicted at a National Post editorial board meeting his party will win at least 50 to 54 seats in Ontario. He added the Tories could win as many as 75 seats, giving the party a majority government. A National Post editorial applauded reports that Conservatives are considering a promise to cut the GST from 7% to 5%. National Post columnist Andrew Coyne harshly criticized the GST proposal, calling it regressive economic policy. He said a Conservative Party true to its principles would cut personal income tax rates instead. Globe and Mail front page coverage raised the stakes for the First Ministers’ Meeting, scheduled for next week and put in jeopardy by a possible snap election call. Referencing government drafts, the news report speculated the meeting will announce $4 billion to $5 billion in initiatives to improve aboriginal health, social, housing and economic conditions.

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.