Stephen Harper's Conservatives are rolling out radio ads suggesting it's un-Canadian for the Liberal NDP coalition to replace them in government. It's the first stage of a Tory hearts-and-minds campaign to win over public support for remaining in power.
And Green Party Leader Elizabeth May is endorsing the proposed coalition government and says she has spoken with Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion about the possibility of her being appointed to the Senate.
"Last election, Stéphane Dion gave his word. He said his Liberals would never form a coalition with the NDP," the English-language Conservative radio spot says. "But now he's cut a deal with the NDP and he's working with separatists to make it happen. He even thinks he can take power without asking you, the voter."
The Tory ad suggests it's unacceptable in Canada to take over a government without an election, even though Parliamentary rules allow it.
"This is Canada. Power must be earned, not taken," the ad concludes.
The Conservative spot uses a speech from Mr. Dion during the last election campaign in which he ruled out a coalition with the NDP. "You cannot have a coalition with a party that has a platform that would be damaging for the economy, period," he says in the clip.
By Tuesday afternoon, the Canadian Labour Congress countered, coming out out with a series of 16 radio ads supporting the coalition and calling for Canadians to attend rallies to show their support for the proposed new government.
The ads are to be broadcast Wednesday. One that was obtained by The Globe and Mail has a female voice saying:
"Canada is facing a global economic crisis. Canadians are worried about their jobs. During the election, Stephen Harper told us he would make a minority Parliament work and put our economy first. He has failed. He has no plan to protect jobs and help the economy. He has lost the support he needs to remain Prime Minister. Support a stronger vision for Canada. Support a new coalition government that will give our country leadership and hope. "
A male voice then says: "This ad is brought to you by the working people of Canada and the Canadian Labour Congress. Come to the rally on Parliament Hill Thursday at noon."
Ms. May, meanwhile, said Tuesday she is launching a website to encourage public support for the coalition. She also urged Mr. Harper not to end the current session Parliament before the confidence vote scheduled for Monday Dec. 8.
"There is no reason for delay," the Green Party Leader said. "Mr. Harper may run, but he cannot hide. He has lost the confidence of the House."
Earlier, Governor-General Michaëlle Jean announced she is cutting short a state visit to Central Europe to return to Canada on Wednesday "in light of the current political situation in Canada."
Government supporters said they are planning rallies across the country and will go door-to-door to gather signatures on a petition protesting against the deal that could lead to the Conservatives' ouster as early as next week by a coalition that would make Mr. Dion interim prime minister. Rally locations will include Rideau Hall — home of the Governor-General — and Parliament Hill. Sources say broadcast or print advertising is also a possibility.
"It's a PR war now," one senior Conservative said.
They're fighting a coalition pact under which the Liberals would share cabinet seats with the New Democratic Party for the first time in history, with Mr. Dion handing over the prime minister's job in May to whichever candidate — Michael Ignatieff, Bob Rae or Dominic Leblanc — wins the Liberal leadership race in May.
Rank-and-file Tories, many of whom are upset with the Prime Minister's Office for precipitating the crisis, were nevertheless united yesterday in efforts to fight the opposition coalition. At a Tory staff Christmas party last night, a feisty Mr. Harper referred to the coalition as the "nightmare before Christmas."
