Canadian voters face difficult choices

For the past 13 years, Canada's prudent fiscal policies have resulted in respectable growth, improved productivity and a repudiation of deficit-based public finances. On October 14, however, Canadians head to the polls against a backdrop of cross-border contagion spreading north from the US. In eastern Canada the manufacturing sector has been hit hard and its auto plants are feeling the effect of Americans shunning new models and large petrol-guzzling SUVs.

In Canada's west, its red-hot economy is fuelled by the strong commodity, resource and energy sectors.

So do Canadians give a majority to Conservative Leader Stephen Harper, who has run a minority administration for the past 16 months?

Harper's alienation of vote- and seat-rich Ontario has been a divisive hallmark of his government.

If Canadians are wise, they should restrict Harper again to minority status. He hasn't proven he has the leadership skills to overcome the east-west divide in these tough economic times: Better to keep him on a short leash.