Harper Pins Election Hopes on Stewardship of Canadian Economy

With an election call coming as early as Sunday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper is staking his claim as the best hope for Canada’s economy as opponents attack his stewardship.

In an interview Wednesday in Ottawa, Harper played up the outlook for the nation’s economy, dismissed worries about household debt and defended a record of tax cuts and budget discipline he claims would be threatened if the Conservatives lose power in the Oct. 19 vote.