It feels like the dog days of summer on the Ontario election campaign. The leaders are limiting themselves to only one, maybe two, events a day.
Yesterday Premier Dalton McGuinty took part in Eid celebrations. NDP leader Andrea Horwath was there as well and then in the evening Horwath launched her re-election bid in her constituency Hamilton. Progressive Conservative leader Tim Hudak was invited to join the Eid celebration but chose to drive out to Kitchener for one event.
Today is even quieter. McGuinty has no public events and Horwath has a meeting with Toronto Mayor Rob Ford. Hudak has a morning campaign event to talk about ways the PCs will "eliminate waste in government." Hudak is emphasizing his team at most of his events. Local PC candidates are always with him. With only five seats in the GTA the PCs need to show off and introduce their candidates as much as possible.
The lack of news is reflected in the Toronto papers. The Globe and Mail and the National Post take a pass on provincial politics. The Toronto Sun has a number of stories including one wondering where the Liberal platform is. The Liberals are mum on the date but say there's no hurry and watch for it to be released in the next few days.
The election does grab the headline in the Star but that's because of an Angus Reid poll. The PCs are ahead with 38% and the Liberals now trail by 7 points at 31%. The NDP has a stronger showing than earlier polls at 24% and the Green Party sits at 6%.
The change factor that I talked about yesterday is on full display in this poll. It shows that 56% want a new government. Angus Reid pollster Jaideep Mukerji is told the Star "There's an overwhelming desire for change in the province right now."
The poll grabs the Star's front page but inside there is no other election news.
Labour negotiations just might become an issue in the campaign. This morning two unions are talking up strike action and both could have an impact on voters. Support staff at Ontario's community colleges can walk out tomorrow and the GO transit system could shut down if a settlement isn't reached before September 19th. In both cases the unions are seeking wage increases. How the Liberals finesse the negotiations will be watched closely by the PCs, the NDP and, most importantly, voters.
A week from today the official campaign gets under way until then Ontarians seem only too happy to have their last days of summer be an election free zone.
