With the campaign momentum reaching at climax, and voters pursued by all means to decide for their votes, the final moment is nearing up for the elections. The Liberals are focusing on their past record, and the Conservatives posing themselves as the alternative, while the NDP and the Bloc still far behind to qualify for the top two slots in the political scenario of Canada. However, even for the top slot, the gap has narrowed from the time of announcement of elections and to date between the Liberals and Conservatives. The Conservatives, appear to overtake the Liberals. So, what kind of result is in offing? With the current situation, it appears that we are again heading towards a minority government, and no wonder that before the year ends, we might see another elections in the pipeline.
 

The decision makers will be those sitting on the sidelines, which we can all as on-lookers, who take their own time to decide at the last moment. There will be several factors that will be influencing these on-lookers. They include the performance of the party leaders, the election manifesto that these parties are portraying, and the affiliations of the near and the dear ones of these people. However, the most important factor would be how the leaders can create an image a party that is imperative for Canada. At present, when we review the two leading parties, it appears that both parties are rallying behind the theme of Canada. The Liberals are trying to portray an image of “True Canadian Spirit”, while the Conservatives platform is titled “Stand up for Canada”, painting a party that is the only alternative to the Liberals that have been tried several times, and the time has come for them to give up charge to them. The image of the Liberals has been tarnished due to the corruption scandals and the resolution on the same sex marriage that has infuriated both the Orthodox Christians and Muslims.

The Conservatives at the other end, are harping on reforms in terms of taxes (reducing GST to 2% over the five years), childcare, offering incentives on capital gains, and on foreign policy issues they have muted response for supporting the Americans on Iraq war, and the star war programs.

Although, the Conservatives are portraying that they will spend less than the Liberals for their reforms, but there is no guarantee. So, the onlookers have a tough decision to make as their choice. The Liberals with their roots in Ontario are set to continue their trend. However, with the debacle of the Liberal’s B.C. candidate’s bribery scandal Liberal’s are finding hard time to gain grounds in other provinces.

Sensing a Conservative victory, even the NDP leader has come openly to jab Prime Minister Paul Martin and Liberal party. Now it is up to the on-lookers to decide whether they want a party with a “True Canadian Spirit” or a party asking to “Stand up for Canada”.

It is a choice between following the American footsteps for our foreign policy or the Canadian Sovereign stand for the foreign policy.

When the American Ambassador criticized our Prime Minister on the issue of the environment, we hardly noticed any Conservative coming forward and rebutting the Ambassador. So, what can we expect when the Conservatives come into power. Apart from the promises they are making to uplift the life of a common man; on the foreign policy issue, we might see our troops marching towards Iraq, the Americans controlling Canadian air space, and our increased dependency on Americans for survival. This is contrary to their slogan of “Stand up for Canada”. If the Conservatives come into power, and want to “Stand up for Canada”, for the future of Canada, they should revisit the future foreign policy of Canada. Currently, Canada’s image in the world is that of a peaceful country with dependency on the Americans for its survival. Continuing its peaceful stance, the Conservatives, for the future of Canada, should try to reduce Canada’s dependency on the Americans in terms of trade. Alternatives markets should be explored for exporting oil, pharmaceutical products, water and other exportable items to America. There is no reason for our troops to be sent to the hell in Iraq. Even those in Afghanistan should be brought back. The less dependence of Canada on the Americans, the more sovereign stand Canada can take on the national and international issues. However, it is up to the Canadians to decide what is in the best interest of their country, and what party to vote. But, one thing is clear that there will be a swift change from the policy of the Liberals.

Conservatives smelling their victory are in the process of assembling a transition team and have started planning a cabinet.