Canada PoliticsAre the Harper Conservatives ‘out of touch’ with Canadians?
'The Conservative Party is out of touch with Canadians.'
That's long been the rallying cry for the left in their attacks against the Harper government.
Well, now they have some evidence to back-up that analysis.
According to a weekend report by the Canadian Press, Canadians' top priorities don't seem to mesh with the Harper Tories' top priorities.
"Members of focus groups consulted prior to the February budget had "little enthusiasm" for the proposed bitumen pipeline to the British Columbia coast — even those who said they support the controversial project.
"And among the 12 groups consulted — from Coquitlam, B.C., to Bridgewater, N.S. — the economy itself was not a top-of-mind concern.
"Rather, the groups spontaneously raised education, health care, pensions and veterans as their key issues."
But does that mean the Tories going to change their campaign strategy and focus more on social issues?
Don't count on that, according to political consultant Marcel Wieder.
"We've seen in provincial elections and by-elections the economy is a strong driver of election campaigns but it is not the only one. Canadians are taking a more holistic approach to politics and politicians. The Conservatives should be concerned that while they are seen as best on the economy other social issues may hurt their reelection chances," Wieder, CEO of Aurora Strategy Group, told Yahoo Canada News.
"Harper is trying to use his economic advantage to paint Mulcair as dangerous on the economy and Trudeau as not up to the job. If he is successful in this effort and diverts attention away from other areas he will be in a better position to win the next election.
"If however the opposition parties are successful in having Canadians view the government on an overall basis he will find the path to reelection more challenging."
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That's exactly the strategy that seems to be playing out.
The Tories are, indeed, focusing their fundraising and outreach campaigns on their record with regard to the economy while the opposition parties are focusing on the Tories' alleged shortcomings on CBC funding, the Senate scandals and the environment.
Abacus Data pollster David Colleto also suggests that the Tories won't be amending their election strategy.
"All elections these days are about competence — who do voters trust the most to deal with the big issues that we expect government to manage including the economy, public safety, and the public purse?" he told Yahoo Canada News.
"The 2015 election will be no different than 2011 or 2008 for that matter. The weaker economic numbers should worry the Tories but the larger question they will campaign on is whether Canada would be better off if Trudeau or Mulcair were Prime Minister."
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