The rapidly changing and volatile federal political environment was the major focus of the keynote speech at the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Convention in Saskatoon Tuesday.
The address was delivered by well-known political journalist Chantal Hebert of the Toronto Star and CBC's At Issue panel.
But it was an address plagued by difficulties.
For one, Hebert was not even able to attend the convention in person. A major snowstorm hitting Eastern Canada shut down air travel across the region, leaving Hebert stranded in Montreal.
She appeared by Skype instead, with that signal projected to delegates on screens throughout the convention hall at TCU Place.
But making matters worse, her remarks were plagued by sound issues. The sound cut out so frequently that her session wrapped up early.
It proved a major disappointment for delegates in attendance from communities across the province.
"I was a bit frustrated with the presentation this morning," said Battleford councillor Gordon Yarde.
Hebert's keynote speech, he said, "was one of the reasons I came."
Other delegates voiced similar disappointment, with one saying the technical issues did a disservice to the presenter.
Based on what delegates were able to hear, Hebert put across a few thoughts about the federal scene and what might happen in a possible election.
She talked about the departure of Minister of Foreign Affairs John Baird from the cabinet of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, a story that broke in the previous 24 hours. Hebert called it a big blow for the Harper government.
On other issues, Hebert said oil prices have "dramatically altered the picture." On security, "Charlie Hebdo has also altered the picture in Canada,” said Hebert, who explained Quebec is more on side with the latest initiatives than with previous post 9/11 measures.
Hebert described the federal scene as an "unpredictable environment" and said the next campaign "could change the picture again."
There was no guarantee that whoever was ahead at the call would finish ahead, she said, adding we are facing "a very uncertain mix in the electorate."
She saw scenarios in which any one of the three main parties could end up winning.
The volatility results from people changing their minds, she said.
"In this day and age loyalty to a brand has gone dramatically down," Hebert explained.
She said people base their choices on "what they see on offer, rather than affiliation to a given party." That explains some of the unexpected results, she added.
As to which part of the country might tip the scales in the upcoming vote, Hebert believed the balance of power has shifted to the "suburbs" and believes "whoever commands the suburbs will command power.”
Hebert also said that gives Harper and Justin Trudeau an edge over Thomas Mulcair, saying the NDP "really have not moved to the suburbs."
