Conclusion
These elements combine to form a "roadmap to victory" in this campaign. The strategic message is to point out the overall right of citizens to have a local voice. The PQ government arrogantly passed draconian legislation without citizen consultation. The legislation is not good legislation, it will create more problems than it is purported to solve. This message will resonate with the voters. A goal is to target the PQ party itself, and party MLA’s for defeat in an upcoming election should they not compromise on the issue. The opposition is strong and will undoubtedly attack opposing forces. A good defensive strategy is to be prepared for this and be ready to counter it with counter attacks. They will allege that those who oppose their plan are misinformed or disgruntled English Montrealers who have ulterior political motives for opposing the PQ. An answer to that is to shift focus on the PQ’s motives for passing the mergers, namely to consolidate regional power, and to placate big union bosses. They will be less effective in painting the anti-merger side as the "bad guys" on the issue. Those opposed to forced municipal mergers are firmly committed to the protection of citizens rights, and to protecting the integrity of the province’s municipal governance system.