Winds of Change

Election day is Monday January 23, 2006 in Canada

The perennial ruling party of Canada, the Liberals under Paul Martin are shadowing the resurrected Conservative Party under Stephen Harper.

Even the Bloc Quebecois - the separatist-nationalist party is feeling the heat from the Conservatives in Quebec.

Factors contributing to the change in wind:

* Voter skepticism
* Sponsorship and patronage scandals of the Liberals
* Uninspiring campaign by Paul Martin
* Focussed campaigning by Stephen Harper
* Bloc Quebecois also taking their support for granted in Quebec
* Immigrant voters veering away from Liberals
* NDP, the third national party dithers (first Layton attacks Conservatives, then switches to Liberals)