Harper to target Easter in P.E.I. stop

Stephen Harperwill makehis first campaign trip to Prince Edward Island Friday and, as in 2008,the Conservative leader's first stop will be in the Malpeque riding.

As in the last election, the Tories are specifically targeting Liberal incumbent Wayne Easter, an outspoken critic of the Conservative government who has held the seat for 18 years.

The Conservative candidate is Tim Ogilvie, a former dean of the Atlantic Veterinary College.

It's believed by many thatOgilvie was chosen because of his agricultural and fisheries background areas that arealso Easter's political strength.

Easter dismissed Harper's attention as being any kind of threat to his Malpeque seat.

He said Wednesday Harper will have to explain budget cuts brought in by his government to the Atlantic Canada Opportunity Agency,small craft harboursand agriculture.