Promise breakers

While Michael Chong's departure from the Cons' cabinet may be making more news today, the bigger problem for PMS may be another prominent Con who's none too happy with Harper's regime:

The premier of Newfoundland and Labrador is warning there could be political consequences for the minority federal government if it doesn't live up to its commitment on equalization.

The province is still smarting from what Premier Danny Williams says is Ottawa's refusal to honour a written commitment that any changes to the equalization formula would not adversely affect provinces.

Newfoundland and Labrador has been reaping energy revenues, which Williams told a business group in Vancouver has somewhat offset the collapse of the cod fishery.

But he says Prime Minister Stephen Harper's refusal to acknowledge his pre-election commitment is a bad sign for what the Tories might do if they ever form a majority government.

Of course, despite his party affiliation Williams' statement is far from reflecting the view of Con loyalists. But the bigger impact of Williams' statement has to do with the Cons' desired public image.

Contrary to PMS' attempts to pretend to be a straight shooter who keeps his promises, premiers from all regions of Canada are speaking out about Harper's broken (or at least breaking) promises on equalization. And when even someone with a relative ideological affinity doesn't want to see Harper win a majority, there's even less reason for more moderate Canadians to risk letting their votes support that end.

Update: Robert points out just one more reason why the "promise-breaker" label deserves to stick on PMS.