Leftist party rise shakes up Canadian vote

VANCOUVER, (Reuters) – Canada’s election campaign entered its final stretch yesterday with all sides trying to weigh the impact of growing support for the New Democratic Party, which has traditionally lagged its rivals.

The ruling Conservatives remain firmly first, but with the May 2 vote approaching it was unclear if the left-leaning NDP’s recent climb would cut into support for Prime Minister Stephen Harper or take votes from the centrist Liberals.

The Conservatives are hoping to win a