While most area federal candidates can agree they didn’t want an election, which party is to blame for the spring race depends on who is asked.
The Conservative government fell Friday afternoon in an historic non-confidence vote that has never been seen anywhere in the Commonwealth. A Liberal motion cited the minority government in contempt of Parliament, and the vote went in favour by a 156-145 count.
MP John Rafferty (NDP, Thunder Bay – Rainy River), who voted for the motion, said it’s interesting that the Conservatives were defeated on a question of ethics. From the "in-and-out" scandal to a former Harper aide under investigation by the RCMP, there were plenty of reasons for the opposition to lose confidence.
"When you start adding them up you realize they’re no different than the Liberals," Rafferty said.
And with the exception of the Liberal part, Thunder Bay – Superior North candidate Yves Fricot agreed the Conservatives haven’t been accountable or transparent since they were first elected in 2006.
Fricot said although he’s been knocking on doors since last October, as a Canadian it’s upsetting to what the Conservatives have done.
"In some ways it’s sad," said Fricot. "This government was elected on transparency … now you see the ultimate extreme."
Rafferty said he has no doubt the Conservatives and Harper want an election. Rafferty said Harper had plenty of time to ensure a budget that could work for all parties and perhaps stop a spring election, but instead are now content to point the blame at opposition parties.
"He doesn’t play well with others," Rafferty said. "I learned how to play well with others in kindergarten."
But Thunder Bay –Superior North Conservative candidate Richard Harvey said calls from opposition that the Conservatives were unethical is a political ploy and that the budget should have been allowed to pass.
"I don’t think an election was necessary," said Harvey.
Although a committee found the Conservatives in contempt last Monday, Harvey said that committee was dominated by an opposition with an agenda.
"They had their resolution drafted before the witnesses were called," Harvey said.
MP Bruce Hyer (NDP, Thunder Bay – Superior North) said it was clear for weeks on Parliament Hill that Harper was dying for an election. He said he’s sad he had to vote down the government, but Harper has to go.
"I don’t know what the outcome of the next election will be," Hyer said, "as long as Stephen Harper isn’t the prime minister or leader of his party."
Thunder Bay-Superior North’s Green Party candidate Lynn Palmer said she’s looking forward to the upcoming election is expected either May 2 or May 9. The full-time Lakehead University PhD student said her party expects to win a seat this time around.
"It’s good it’s happening," Palmer said. "We’re really happy to see the government fall."
Meanwhile veteran politician Ken Boshcoff, winner of two federal election races, is again running for the Liberals in Thunder Bay-Rainy River and agreed with Palmer, though said the election call was unexpected.
"Actually I’m excited about this and I’m looking forward to it," Boshcoff said. .
But he said he’s still not sure what to do about his current seat as Thunder Bay councillor at-large and plans to ask council their feelings on Monday. He is not required to step aside during the campaign, but recent candidates Rebecca Johnson and Bill Mauro did so during provincial election campaigns.
Harper is expected to ask Gov.Gen. David Johnston to officially dissolve Parliament on Saturday.
