Harper deflects queries on minority, loss-of-power possibilities

Share

Stephen Harper is staying mum on how long he'd wait to bring back Parliament if he won the largest minority of seats on Election Day or whether he'd remain as an MP if, on the other hand, the Conservatives lose power.

"I am not a pundit. I don't know the word in French for pundit. I am the leader of the party and I am running this campaign for the future of the country," Mr. Harper told reporters during a campaign stop in Quebec, where the Tories are hoping to pick up seats.

The latest poll tracking from Nanos Research shows the Liberals with a six-point lead over the Conservatives, but the Tories remain confident they could narrow this gap by more effectively mobilizing their supporters to get to the polls.

Both the NDP and Liberals have said they would not vote in favour of a minority Conservative government throne speech – which would suggest Mr. Harper would be quickly defeated if he tries to exercise power.

Mr. Harper was asked how long he would wait to recall Parliament and present a throne speech in a Conservative minority government scenario.

He refused to be drawn in by the question.

"I am, as you know, going to refrain from speculating on postelection scenarios," the Conservative Leader said.

"Canadians have a critical choice before them: that choice is the future direction of the economy of this country. Do Canadians really believe that now is the time to go on a massive spending spree – $150-billion proposed by the Liberal Party to be financed by cuts to benefits, by tax increases and by ongoing deficits?" he said.

"We believe in the Conservative Party that the way to keep growing our economy is a sensible plan based on affordable and effective investments that is fully costed, that has balanced budgets, that continues to lower taxes, that is the way to create jobs and growth."