Three Weeks

That's how long it might be until we're in an election campaign. Jim Flaherty confirmed the rumours today - budget day will be March 22nd, setting up a confidence vote later that week and a trip to the polls on May 2nd or May 9th. This isn't the first time Ottawa has come down with a case eleculation (short for election speculation - trademark Calgary Grit 2011), but this is likely the biggest bout of it since September 2009.

If you remember back then, Michael Ignatieff made it clear he was ready to bring down the government, the Conservatives flirted with 40% in the polls, and the little one said roll over. The story appears to be repeating itself, but that doesn't mean we won't get a different result this time. If Harper's not willing to give an inch or the NDP decides there's no point in putting off the inevitable, it's go time. As such, the parties are nominating candidates, running ads, and booking planes.

And what should we expect, if we do find ourselves in a campaign? Well, if the polls are to be believed, Harper is on the brink of a crushing majority. Or not.

So to summarize, we may or may not be heading to an election, and we really have no clue what will happen in the campaign.

Hope that clears things up.