Editorial cartoon by Anthony JenkinsAnthony Jenkins/The Globe and Mail
Fresh off a celebratory rally for the Tory faithful Sunday, Stephen Harper is sending his ministers and MPs out across Canada to defend his government's plan to cut corporate taxes.
The tour is meant to counter Michael Ignatieff's efforts to exploit them as a potential election issue. The Liberal Leader is gathering his own team in Ottawa this week to hone its anti-Harper message ahead of the return of the House Commons after its winter break.
Will Finance Minister Jim Flaherty's budget, expected in March, trigger an election on the issue? Or will it include something that earns grudging support from Jack Layton's NDP or Gilles Duceppe's Bloc Québécois?
If the former, Mr. Harper will get another chance at majority government - and a mandate to make real change. If the latter, he will continue to steer Canada from a minority position for a sixth consecutive year.
How has he done so far? On the big things, John Ibbitson says, he has " governed well. But that doesn't mean he deserves your vote."
Mr. Ibbitson, The Globe's parliamentary bureau chief, joines us Monday to take your questions on the Prime Minister, his time in office and his future prospects.
You can review the discussion in the window below. Mobile uses can click here for a Blackberry and iPhone friendly interface.