But by triggering an abrupt election campaign just off the heels of the listeriosis outbreak, the opposition sure counted on the scandal to bruise Harper's chances at a majority though. The Liberals and NDP form a very powerful opposition bloc which directly influences what the Tories are able to pass in office. It'd be extremely unwise for the opposition parties to topple any government willing to push forward the same type of socialist/liberal policies and agendas that they themselves would enact were they in a financial and leadership position to demonstrate legitimacy as a gov't. Dion frankly lacked those attributes, so a "centrist" ruling ensured the majority of constiuents' concerns, on a federal level, were being at least partially met (taxation, distribution of wealth, foreign policy, the environment, gov't accountability, status of women and minorities, etc.). As for the
Carbon Tax, Ignatieff is offically reopening this debate with Harper, and coupled with talks of EI reforms, it could very well be an issue that triggers the next federal election.