Wooing the Island

May 27

Paul Martin began his quest for voter confirmation in Canada's smallest province. After a tour of Van Kampen's Greenhouses in Charlottetown he moved a few kilometres to an organized rally in Stratford filled with the party faithful. He was joined by the four Liberal incumbents plus PEI Liberal Leader Robert Ghiz. Every speaker managed to say nothing new or worth reporting. Former solicitor-general Lawrence MacAulay is the only incumbent in danger of losing his seat in the riding of Cardigan. He won the last election over PEI Fisheries Minister Kevin MacAdam by a total of 276 votes.

This time he is opposed by Conservative Peter McQuaid, chief-of-staff to PEI Premier Pat Binns and he admits it will be another close race. In the 1997 election Mr. MacAulay won by 97 votes so this is one reason why Cardigan has the highest voter-turnout in Canada. Also for sound reasons, PEI has the highest voter-turnout of any province in Canada. Ridings are small so politicians can meet most voters.

Generally, Islanders respect politicians and believe they do a good job. Islanders love patronage and support the dictum: "To the victors go the spoils." Therefore, if your job or business depends on which party forms the next government, you ensure family, relatives and friends vote on election day. Conservative Leader Stephen Harper visits the "cradle of Confederation on May 25 to hold a kick-off rally in Charlottetown with his four Island candidates and party supporters. The New Democratic Party will contest all four ridings but are not expected to be a factor except in Cardigan. If Islanders believed Stephen Harper is our next prime minister, many would change their vote in a heartbeat. It's seen as essential to elect candidates to the winning party.

From my point of view at least three Liberal MPs will return to Ottawa in hopes more Liberal patronage will continue to flow to our flexible island.