Canada election 2015: Winnipeg candidates forced into early federal campaign

Federal candidates based in Manitoba have learned that, ready or not, they're off to the races.

Conservative Leader Stephen Harper visited Canada's Governor General David Johnston on Sunday. Parliament was dissolved as Harper officially announced the commencement of the 2015 federal election campaign.

It stands to be one of the longest, most expensive federal election campaigns in Canadian history, and the early start has caught some voters and politicians alike off guard.

"I'm surprised it was called on a Sunday of the long-weekend," said Winnipeg voter Chantal Bassett.

"I wish that the campaigning period would be shorter. There is just no need to advertise — people can decide…. They don't need the government to shutdown for them to make their decisions."

Winnipegger Aaron Carter said he worries the summer start is going to disadvantage certain candidates.

"I definitely think it's going to take a toll on some of the smaller parties because it's just a lot of finances they don't have," said Carter. "It's going to be tricky for them."

Ready to rise

But Robert-Falcon Ouellette, the Liberal candidate for Winnipeg Centre, said he and his party are ready to rise to the challenge.

"Not a whole lot has changed…. The Liberal Party has been ready here in Manitoba," said Ouellette. "The signs are just being printed at this moment."

Ouellette said his team has been campaigning for some time and the Liberals already have 14 candidates nominated in Manitoba.

The Conservatives have 12 candidates, and the NDP have seven candidates.

Conservative MP Steven Fletcher (Charleswood, St. James, Assiniboia and Headingley) said the PCs have been ready for a while. He doesn't think the historically long lead up is a bad thing.

'We're all on the same footing'

"People often complain there isn't enough time in a normal election period, and those same people are now complaining there is too much time — so which is it?" Fletcher said. "I would argue that discussing the issues and allowing people to see who's who over a period of time is probably better than not."

But Ouellette also admitted the lengthy, 11-week grind is going to cost his campaign more than expected.

"We have to raise more money now, which is a little bit unfortunate," said Ouellette.

He had budgeted $80,000 for his campaign, but with the official Aug. 2 launch date, he now suspects it will cost closer to $140,000.

"That certainly does play a certain role in the way we think about what we do," said Ouellette.

Fletcher said while it is true the election is going to cost everyone involved more money, he thinks all candidates are going to be impacted equally.

"We're all on the same footing; we all have the same constraints as far as expenditures are concerned," Fletcher said.

"What people forget is that elections are really about people — the people who volunteer in various campaigns and the people who vote and the people who ask questions. The money is secondary."

'I'm not afraid'

Meanwhile, Matt Henderson, the NDP candidate for Winnipeg South Centre, said the New Democrats have been "super energized" and ready to hit the ground running.

"There are 80,000 potential voters in this riding, and my goal is to hit every single one of those door steps and to say, 'What are your issues?' and 'This is what I'm standing for — I'm standing for democracy,'" said Henderson.

Henderson added that he isn't particularly worried about his campaign's finances.

"I'm not concerned about money at this point, I'm concerned about the other parties not having a solid message," he said.

"I'm not afraid of any party. I welcome any party to a discussion about what Canada is, how we move it into a better position internationally and domestically."

Advanced polls for the October election open next week.