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Harper told the news media, and anyone else that would listen, the law fixing elections every four years only applies to majority governments. His logic suggests that a minority administration cannot be held accountable to this law because the opposition parties could defeat the government at any time. In a classic case of who is governing who, Harper said the government should call an election and remove the uncertainty caused by the opposition and their election posturing.

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There are other reasons to call an election if you are a PM with a minority government. Canada's economy is at best stagnant as the United States plummets into recession, but the forecasts for 2009 - Oct. 19, 2009 is the fixed election date - are not any better. High energy prices have Canadians worried about how they will heat their homes this winter. And the US may be shifting their political leanings to the left. The Democrats, with their charismatic leader Barack Obama, are leading the presidential race in almost every major poll. If Obama becomes president, Conservative party officials are worried Canadian Liberals may receive a big enough boost to snag a small majority government later this fall or in the winter.

The prime minister can justify it anyway he wants. Just call the election and be done with it. After all, Harper has an image to protect; the strong, brave leader that is in control. Having opposition members constantly threatening to topple your government tarnishes the leadership image Conservative spin doctors have worked so carefully to control.

The silver lining in all this election hype may be that Canadians finally get some policy ideas out of the Conservatives. The government has attacked Stephane Dion's climate change and green shift action plans, but where is Environment Minister John Baird to offer an alternative solution? The Listereia crisis has many Canadians questioning the efficiency of our federal food inspection agency. And the growing gap between rural and urban economies will be an election issue in small communities across Canada.

With the polls showing support for the Liberals and Conservatives almost deadlocked, the most either party can realistically hope for is another minority government. And therein lies the message the Canadians have for Harper and Dionne- the average voter is not willing to give either leader free reign for four years. It is unfortunate that no one seems to be listening to Canadians. Voters want a leader that can bridge dissension and promote policy that helps all Canadians, not just follow the party line.