Article content

Ottawa Citizen parliamentary bureau chief Mark Kennedy sat down this week with leaders of the three main political parties as voters prepare for the Oct. 19 election. Today: Conservative Leader Stephen Harper.

TORONTO – Conservative Leader Stephen Harper says he doesn’t think Canadians will cast their vote based on what they think of his personality, but instead on what’s in their own “best interests” – including their pocketbook.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Stephen Harper on why Conservatives will win the election: 'I think the stakes are high' Back to video

As well, Harper rejects criticism that he is trying to get re-elected on a campaign of fear-mongering through his strong stand against Muslim women who wish to wear the niqab at citizenship ceremonies, or by declaring that dual nationals convicted of terrorism should be stripped of their Canadian citizenship.

Instead, he says he is onside with the “overwhelming” majority of Canadians on these issues and it’s the opposition leaders who are trying to create divisions where there is unity.