A weekly election crib-note

The sixth week rolled in on the wave of the events from the end of the fifth, and in many ways reflected them. Camapaigns were re-starting themselves, Parties were test-driving new plans for the second phase push, and everybody was claiming that this was their moment.

The one campaign event that should have been major - the release of the Green's platform - was virtually ignored by the major media; the same major media who claim that people don't know enough about the views of the Green Party. Beyond this, the week continued to be dominated by the RCMP investigation into Bay Street leaks from the Ministry of Finanace and/or the PMO.

Memories of the perenially in-the-dark Mr Dithers came back to haunt Paul Martin this week as he and his Finance Minister Ralph Goodale couldn't seem to agree on who knew what, and when. Martin first told the media that he was informed of the income-trust decision, but Goodale quickly shot back that Martin was in the dark about the decision. Worried about his image, Martin once again re-iterated that he knew what was going on. Something is clearly up, and all parties outwardly hope that the RCMP will rapidly finish their investigation, although it is doubtful they will be able to wrap-up an insider trading probe in under a month.

The Greens released their platform to absolutely no ado, but interested parties can find it at their website. It is similar to the Green plaform of 2004, combining environmental protection with social justice and fiscal conservatism. Expect it to be completely ignored by all the major parties, at least until after the election when their planks will either be stolen or, if the Greens elect a member or two, negotiated for in a hung parliament.

The debates are next week, and events should be hotting up. Let's hope.