What's the one question that Canadians should be asking themselves as they enter the voting booth on Oct. 14? MPs, strategists, Globe columnists and a provincial premier give their answers for which issue should define this fall's campaign.
Tom Flanagan, former Conservative campaign manager: "Which party and leader is best able to provide economic stability in this turbulent period?"
John Duffy, StrategyCorp principal and former Liberal strategist: "Who can deliver the most positive Canadian contribution to addressing the climate crisis?"
Jeffrey Simpson, Globe columnist: "Which party can best improve Canada's productivity?"
Lawrence Martin, Globe columnist: "Which party and leader best represents the values and future interests of this country?"
Sheila Copps, former cabinet minister: "Who best understands the new green economy? The current economic woes facing north america are linked to unbridled consumerism coupled with diminishing non-renewable resources. A new approach to the environment is the only defensible economic platform. Not more of the same, please."
Brian Lee Crowley, founding president of the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies: "How much are you willing to pay to assuage middle class eco-guilt?"
Christie Blatchford, Globe columnist:: "With 96 Canadians having died to this point in Afghanistan, I'd hope the mission there would be uppermost in voters' minds (though it won't be). Voters, if not their leaders, ought to be remembering this sacrifice. I'm not sure it translates to a question, per se, but it could: How long should Canada be in Afghanistan? (The retiring Canuck ambassador recently said, preposterously, that Afghanistan should be stable by 2011, which is stupid.) And as a supplementary, what are the positions on getting the equipment (chiefly choppers) that will make it safer for our troops there?"
Dalton McGuinty, Ontario Premier: "When Ontarians go to the polls, I'll be asking that they consider which federal party will treat Ontario fairly by letting us keep more of our own money, so we can make the investments that will create a stronger and more competitive Ontario economy."
John Tory, Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader: Which party and which leader have the strength and the ability to successfully see us through challenging economic times knowing that a strong economy is vital to our ability to build a strong, prosperous canada and a strong Ontario within canada?
Megan Harris, former Conservative candidate: "The ballot question should be about the future of the country - which leader/party Canadians can trust to protect and strengthen Canada's interests domestically and internationally. The accelerated pace of change in the international arena demands a forward-looking steady hand, not just nostalgic uttterings of past successes within a world order that no longer exists."
John Geiger, editor of The Globe's editorial board: "Can Stephen Harper be trusted with a majority government?
Andrew Steele, StrategyCorp: "The ballot question should be what it always should be: What team has the policies, energy and intellect to develop long-term prosperity in Canada? (The ballot question will be what it always is: a referendum on the Prime Minister's public image.)
Norman Spector, former chief of staff to Brian Mulroney: "Who best can advance Canada's national interests in an increasingly multi-polar world, on such issues as the rise of China and India, climate change, Northern sovereignty and the resurgence of Russia?
Peter Donolo, Strategic Counsel partner: "Which party can best ensure my kid won't have to move to India or China in 10 years to have a great job?"
Gary Mason, Globe columnist: I'm not sure that there is one overriding question. For me, and many others I talk to, it's who is the most inspirational - and pragmatic - on the environment and the economy. I mean real plans that go beyond how many GHG emissions you can save doing this or that. I think people like myself need to know that our problems are often our neighbours' problems, too.
Rick Anderson, former Reform Party activist: "Do you want Harper or Dion affecting your pocketbook during challenging economic times?"
John Godfrey, former Liberal MP: For me, the ballot question is all about the role of government in dangerous times. Faced with climate change, do we want our government to act on our behalf and take a leadership role, or can we leave it to the marketplace? How active can/should the government be in recalibrating the economy? Can Canadian culture thrive without government involvement? The same is true of social policy, particularly things like child care. What is the role of society/government in providing social services, as opposed to families or private and corporate benefaction?
