It’s official! There will be an election this spring. After the conservative government was defeated in a vote of confidence and found in contempt of parliament. This forced Stephen Harper to visit the govenor general on Saturday and ask for a dissolution of Parliament, the govenor general obliged to Harpers request. The spring election has been set for May 2nd with all parties running full steam till then. This is also the first time in which the government has been found in contempt.

With the possibility of the government being dissolved within a few days, Prime Minister Harper may have reason to concern. A recent poll to come out on the performance of the Prime Minister shows a sharp decline. The poll shows a drop from 99 to 83. This is mainly attributed to the recent scandals that have occured in recent months under his watch.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/john-ibbitson/harper-has-reason-to-worry-nanos-poll/article1949229/

NDP leader Jack Layton recently said that the election is now in the hands of Conservative leader Stephen Harper, on whether or not they want to call an election. Layton, has said that an election is very likely as there is little hope that Harper will include spending plans in their upcoming budget, which both the NDP and the Bloc have demaded. They disapproval by the NDP and the Bloc should be enough for a loss of confidence vote to be possible. Harper in response, said that he does not particularily want to call an election as he wants to keep the government working on helping the economy and creating  jobs.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/election-call-still-mr-harpers-choice-layton-says/article1940351/

The prime ministers office has apologized for actions in which members of the media was ushered out of the building in which PM Harper and Liberal Leader Ignatieff were speaking. After Harper spoke to the media, staffers for Harper ushered media members out before Ignatieff had a chance to speak to the media. The PM and Ignatieff were attending an event at the India High Commision in Gatineau, Quebec.

http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2011/03/05/17506466.html

A new poll released reveals that the conservatives have gain popularity throughout the country. They now currently have a 13% lead over the next place liberals. As well they have gained popularity in Ontario where they have a 13% lead again over the liberals. This is a giant step for the conservatives who are chasing an elusive majority government.

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/945363–tories-surge-ahead-of-liberals-poll-finds?bn=1

After a week of back door negotiations with the bloc the tories are expected to release a new version of their crime bill, which the bloc is expected to support, ensuring speedy progress within the house.

The conservatives removed the section of the bill that would let non violent offenders be able to be released after serving only one sixth of their sentance. This removal was at the request of the bloc.

The bloc’s reason for wanting this section removed from the bill is the insurance that disgraced Montreal financial advisor, who was convicted of creating a ponzi scheme, stealing people of millions of dollars, would not be able to serve less of a sentance for his crime.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/tories-bloc-strike-rare-deal-on-law-and-order-legislation/article1896613/

Finance minister Jim Flaherty confirmed sunday that we won’t be budging on his proposed corporate tax cuts in his upcoming budget. He has stated that he wished to keep with the current low-tax plan.

In opposition Liberal leader Micheal Ignatieff, stated that the proposed tax cuts were “crazy”.

The budget in question is said to be released in March.

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Flaherty+budge+corporate+cuts/4193110/story.html

The conservatives recently released that they are set to introduce a new bill concerning citizens arrests. This news follows the highly publicized case against a Toronto grocery store owner who was arrested after detaining a man who shoplifted in his store. The new bill is reportedly going to make citizens arrest easier. The tories will introduce this bill once parliament resumes on January 31st.

I personally believe that this is a very smart move for the conservatives, for two reasons. Firstly, this bill makes a great deal of sense, allowing store owners keep their business’ safe and secondly this issue is quite current and we give the conservatives an increase in popularity, espescially among working class Canadians.