The upcoming by elections in Ontario could be used as a fairly important measuring stick as far as a potential full-on spring election in that province goes.
There is a lot at stake for all parties.
For the Tim Hudak lead Progressive Conservatives these votes will tell the tale of the shape they are in heading into the full on election. Are Hudak’s troubles behind him? We’ll soon know.
For the Andrea Horwath lead NDP these votes provide a chance to be taken seriously. A hammering at the polls here and they are in trouble.
There is a lot of discussions when by elections are called and whether they are important to the government of the day.
With the Forum poll released today maybe the Liberals internal polling is even worse and maybe these elections are more important than we are lead to believe.
Why else would the Liberals trot out Justin Trudeau to campaign at this early stage if they weren’t?
For the Kathleen Wynne lead Ontario Liberals these byelections are all about survival. Should they get their heads handed to them in February it could be a bellwether to defeat down the road.
It won’t bode well for Trudeau either, if he can’t turn the tide!