Eighteen Conservative MPs and cabinet ministers, including Prime Minister Stephen Harper, are out Tuesday showering money on communities across the country as they announce funding for programs that will keep kids away from a life of crime, help the homeless and even supportthe arts.
Can an election far off? Or is it just standard break-week fare?
The Tories are making the most of the Commons recess. They're everywhere from Iqaluit and Whitehorse to Calgary, Saskatoon and Manitou, Man., not to mention Ontario and the Atlantic provinces.
In Newfoundland Tuesday morning, Public Safety Minster Vic Toews announced $1.9-million for two crime prevention projects, including nearly $700,000 for the St. John's YMCA aimed at getting "suspended or temporarily expelled students" back to school.
At the same time, Human Resources Minister Diane Finley was at YMCA Toronto for a news conference announcing funding for graduates for their first jobs.
Heritage Minister James Moore is in Industry Minister Tony Clement's Ontario riding to put to rest any thoughts the Harper government is anti-culture. He is unveiling support for the Huntsville Festival of the Arts, among other events.
And seniors minster Julian Fantino is doubling up in Woodbridge, Ont., with Labour Minister Lisa Raitt on apprenticeship issues and in Thunder Bay in the afternoon for an announcement assisted-living and long-term care.
Mr. Harper is with Defence Minister Peter MacKay in British Columbia – a province he hopes will help him secure a majority – at a CFB Esquimalt hangar for an announcement on military infrastructure. The Sidney air facility is located in the riding held by sports minister Gary Lunn, who will square off against Green Party Leader Elizabeth May whenever the writ drops.
In a memo to supporters Tuesday morning, PMO strategists noted that cabinet ministers are appearing at local businesses to emphasize investment and job creation through the government's "low tax plan and free trade agenda."
"The economy remains our Government's top priority," the Harper team says, adding for good measure that it is "well known the Ignatieff led-Coalition supports higher taxes and irresponsible spending."
As for Michael Ignatieff, the Liberal Leader can be found in Dieppe, N.B., for a roundtable discussion as he continues his "working families" tour.