Prime Minister Stephen Harper made a late stop in Fredericton for a campaign rally and speech at Maple Leaf Homes, a local employer in Fredericton.
Inside the event were party faithfuls while approximately two dozen Harper opponents, who only found out about Harper’s stop on short notice, rallied outside. They were clad with “stop Harper” signs and union banners.
Alex Bailey, president of the Fredericton District Labour Council, made an observation about the choice of venue for Harper’s event as he spoke to the crowd, “They’re non-unionized.”
“We’ve got to send a message to Stephen Harper. We’re not happy with his politics. We want him out. We want a progressive government in power,” said Bailey.
One woman standing with the Harper opponents gave many reasons for her opposition to Harper: “I’m a senior, an immigrant, have two children who are scientists. My daughter is dating a scientist. And none of us are people in Harper’s eyes.”
Conservative MPs Keith Ashfield and Rob Moore were in attendance. The MPs are struggling to keep their seats in Parliament. Ashfield’s absence at many all-candidates forums and debates in Fredericton was noted.