Those in towns dependent on lumbering will recall that while the promise was made, "We will stand up for Canada," on the softwood lumber dispute, he did not do so.

Will western wheat growers who elected pro-Canadian Wheat Board directors see him as being on their side, or for that matter will Newfoundland and Labradorians, when he broke his word to them?

"Strong leadership" does not promise three ice breakers then reduce the number to one nor announce critical replacements for 40-year-old naval supply ships with fanfare, then cancel the orders on a Friday afternoon, nor call Ontario the "last place" to invest.

Will those negatively affected -- the lumber industry, wheat farmers, ship builders and the citizens of Newfoundland and Labrador and Ontario -- have forgotten when the Prime Minister was not on their side?

Such must be the expectation of Conservative strategists to make "Strong leadership, on your side" the focus of their campaign.

Joe Hueglin

Niagara Falls