On each others' turf

In response to Harper's big policy re-announcement today, the Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada points out the air of unreality surrounding the Cons' child-care plan:

Pledging $250 million to create child care spaces through tax breaks to businesses is an old idea that Mike Harris tried in Ontario. No business took up the offer and not one space was created. Tax incentives will not create a child care program. It's the same patchwork approach that has left so many parents scrambling to make child care arrangements without access to regulated child care services.

The choice on child care is all too clear - between two plans which claim to be able to create a lot more spaces than could possibly come from the amount of money promised, as opposed to one which is actually designed to work. And the more Harper tries to pitch his own sad excuse for a plan, the more likely Canadians are to notice that distinction.

Meanwhile, the NDP presented its justice plan today - to rave reviews from Con bloggers. While I'll agree with those who are skeptical that reverse-onus bail will withstand Charter scrutiny, the policy nicely positions the NDP as demanding punishment for those who deserve it, while also ensuring a better chance for those who do play within the rules.

Update: This post is the best the CBC's Blog Report can find for a criticism of the NDP's crime-fighting plan? Clearly the party must be doing something right.