On Friday Apr. 8, Kitchener hosted Prime Minister Stephen Harper and local
Conservative Members of Parliament (MPs) at Bingemans Convention Centre, for a rally with community supporters.
“We all know the country didn’t want this election,” Harper began, “… but we’re going out to fight this election, and we’re going to win this election.”
The current MP for the Kitchener-Waterloo riding, Peter Braid, was in concurrence with the sentiment that Canadians currently do not look favourably upon an election. Consequently, potential difficulties in voter turnout may arise.
“I remind people that for many of us who have been fortunate enough to travel around the world, [there are] so many countries where we don’t see the same deep tradition of democratic rights,” Braid noted. “Exercising your democratic right, participating in the electoral process, exercising your civic duty is so incredibly important.”
An audience of all ages responded with enthusiasm to Harper’s criticism of the alleged similarity between the opposing parties and accusations of hollow policies.
“If you look at the liberal, NDP platform, I can’t honestly tell the difference,” Harper said, drawing audience support. “I don’t think Mr. Layton can either.”
Speaking to the Conservative platform, which was released early that day, he cited constructive measures which would be taken to continue Canada’s economic recovery.
“This is a map for the road ahead, it is not a collection of memorabilia for the journey taken,” the Prime Minister commented.
Harper appeared to focus a large measure of attention on his plan to cut taxes, a topic which will likely be emphasized to gain voter support. Using, what Harper deemed, “responsible financing” policies, the party aims to achieve a balanced budget by 2014.
“Conservatives understand you cannot tax your way to prosperity, and you cannot create jobs by raising taxes,”said Harper, explaining that tax breaks to small businesses and other initiatives would lead to thousands in savings for Canadians.
Under the mantra of a “strong, stable, majority Conservative government,” Harper went on to describe the other main themes of the platform. This included plans to immediately enact crime legislature, create jobs, provide greater support for new immigrants, and encourage healthy active living.
The campaign trail will continue in various cities as the intensity builds with the
proximity to the May 2 election date. As well, Braid has plans to speak with both the Laurier and University of Waterloo student communities, and also maintains the use of social media as a priority for preserving communication.
“As Conservatives, we are not just here to be the government,” Harper concluded to the sea of blue-clad, flag-waving supporters. “We are here for Canada.”
