![Text Box: Nov. 22/05
Layoffs, Fear on Road to Election
Extensive television, radio and print coverage positioned the coming winter election against a disturbing backdrop of massive layoffs at General Motors, rising public fear about avian flu and a pandemic threat, and a race by the Liberal minority government to announce billions in new taxpayer spending before its imminent defeat.
News reports delivered the overarching message that deep cuts by General Motors dealt a painful body blow to Canada’s important automotive sector, boding ill for consumer confidence and the economy.
Prominent network coverage emphasized the Liberals will ignore a non-binding opposition motion to call an election in January for a vote on Feb. 13, setting the stage for a non-confidence motion in the government.
Under the scrolling banner ‘Spending Spending Spending,’ CBC News provided a long list of spending announcements in the dying says of the Liberal minority government. Montreal Gazette and Ottawa Citizen front pages, CTV News and other media items amplified this theme.
In addition to negative news on auto layoffs and avian flu, national coverage was crowded with other election-related issues:
Alberta Premier Ralph Klein started a three-city tour in Ottawa, stating Canadians should be able to buy immediate access to medical services. A Pollara poll said Canadians are losing faith in public health care, and suggested they are open to the idea of buying private medical services. [Ott Cit A4, Nat Post A1]
National Post front page coverage noted a ban on hiring white men by Public Works deputy minister David Marshall was rescinded after just three days.
Several media items highlighted controversy and intense lobbying over last minute plans to announce a $4.6 billion purchase of 16 transport planes for the military. A National Post editorial supported the idea.
Globe and Mail coverage noted a public apology issued by Public Services Minister Scott Brison for wrongly accusing Conservative Leader Harper and the National Citizen’s Coalition of illegal lobbying. The news report speculated false information was provided to the minister by the Liberal Party. [Globe A7]](Nov_22_files/image303.gif)
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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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