Too little, too late

Chantal Hebert notes that the Libs are once again changing messages in the middle of a campaign that isn't going their way. But the most important point is why their decision to take on the cause of health care now is likely to ring hollow:

For months prior to the campaign, the provinces and the many protagonists of the health-care system pushed for some statement of federal intent on post-2014 medicare funding.

In response to this flurry of behind-the-scenes activity, the NDP raised the issue a number of times in question period since the new year. It did not make it once on the Liberal 2011 line-up.

So the health-care issue ultimately looks to reinforce the NDP's message that the Libs have been missing in action when it comes to the priorities of Canadians. And that can only help the effort to promote the NDP as the stronger defender of Canada's cherished public institutions.