The federal Conservatives are at risk of losing a safe seat in Manitoba when voters go to the polls in one of four byelections scheduled for Monday.
The traditionally Tory blue seat of Brandon-Souris is at risk of turning Liberal red, which would be a blow to a government already wearing the bruises of the Senate expenses scandal.
Elections Canada revealed Tuesday that some 2,400 voters, far more than expected, have already cast their ballots in advance polls in the Manitoba riding.
“I think people here are ready for a change,” one resident told CTV News.
“I think I would vote Liberal this time,” said another.
Hoping to take advantage of the widespread voter interest, the Liberals and the NDP have focused their campaign efforts on the riding. This week, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau visited for the fourth time this year.
Trudeau’s party would seem to have the advantage, with the Liberals leading by eight points, according to recent polls. The party finished fourth behind the Green Party in the last federal election.
But on the same day that Trudeau was in town, NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair also paid a visit, meeting with the mayor of Brandon. The visit marked his second of the year.
“We know that it’s a Conservative riding,” Mulcair said. “But you know what, we also realize that it’s more of a three-way race than it’s been in the past.”
Experts note that although Brandon-Souris is a traditional Conservative stronghold – it has only gone Liberal once in the past 60 years -- it seems that now it’s up for grabs.
“There’s been so many events in voter volatility happening, I think right now if the polls are any indication it’s really anybody’s guess as to what can happen,” Kelly Saunders, political science professor at Brandon University, told CTV.
The vote is scheduled for Nov. 25.
With a report from CTV’s Winnipeg Bureau Chief Jill Macyshon
