Harper talks economy and security in Hamilton campaign stop

Hamilton's budget doesn't balance itself, and neither does Canada's, Stephen Harper said in a campaign whistle stop here on Thursday. And that's one of the reasons Canadians should reelect him.

The Conservative Party leader focused on security and the economy during a crowded rally at David Sweet's campaign office on Upper James.

He told the group of party faithful that the NDP and Liberals have no plan for the economy and taxes.

"They have no new ideas for the economy at all," he said. "They just say they'll spend more money than we will – tens of millions of dollars more."

Harper is the second federal party leader to visit Hamilton this week. On Tuesday, NDP leader Thomas Mulcair visited Dundas and made an announcement about reducing tax rates for small business.

Security at the event was tense. About two dozen RCMP and Hamilton Police officers guarded the perimeter of Sweet's office, and watched the sweltering room of packed supporters chanting and waving signs. Some supporters had to leave because of the heat.

Outside, about 20 local protesters, most from unions such as United Steelworkers and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, waved signs protesting the leader.

In his speech, Harper took aim at Mulcair and Liberal leader Justin Trudeau, particularly their ideas about the economy.

"Do budgets balance themselves in Hamilton?" he asked the crowd.

Harper's visit came as a new Forum Research poll Thursday shows the Conservatives trailing the NDP and Liberals at 23 per cent, and the NDP inching toward a majority government. In his speech, Harper acknowledged that "people are doing some comparison shopping."

Isaac Silva, a Conservative supporter at the rally, said he's still hopeful that Harper will win. 

"I'm feeling discouraged that maybe people have a fatigue for Harper the person, but the policies, they're solid," he said.

Harper left immediately after the rally and did not take questions from the media.