[LINK] "Harper's Quebec-bashing will push some voters to PQ: analysts"

[rfmcdonald]

As the Toronto Star points out, Harper's attacks on the Bloc Québécois are having great results inasmuch as national unity is concerned.

Parti Quebecois Leader Pauline Marois can thank Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Quebec-bashing for helping to push sovereignty to the fore in the provincial election campaign.

Former PQ premier Bernard Landry says Harper's attacks on the ``separatist coalition" which includes the Bloc Quebecois, could have an impact on Monday's vote.

"It's possible that people who may or may not be sympathizers of the Bloc will be drawn to the Parti Quebecois," Landry said Thursday.

But it remains to be seen whether Premier Jean Charest's chances of a majority government will really be affected.

Harper toned down his rhetoric slightly on Thursday after meeting with Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean and getting her approval to prorogue Parliament. The prime minister acknowledged the Bloc has a legitimate place in the Commons as an elected party.

Political scientist Harold Chorney says the prime minister is playing a dangerous game and his anti-Bloc rhetoric will reinvigorate the Parti Quebecois.

He agrees with Landry there will be some spillover from Ottawa after some Conservatives suggested it was treason to build a coalition with separatists.

"There will be some voters who are sort of tentative Bloquistes, who don't vote for them all the time, who might go over to the Parti Quebecois because they are deeply offended," he said.

But Chorney added he does not expect Harper's controversial remarks to change opinion polls which suggest Charest's Liberals were headed for a majority government.

"They've been confident about a majority, but you never know in Quebec," he said.

"I assume Mr. Charest is going to win, I assume he is going to win effectively and we'll see what kind of majority he gets.

"I don't think that this time it's in the cards for Madame Marois to become premier of Quebec."