Heading toward a scheduled confidence vote in the House of Commons on Monday (December 8), Prime Minister Stephen Harper used a prime-time TV address to deliver a speech that didn’t include anything new.

The lack of substance was noticed by Helmut Pastrick, chief economist for Central 1 Credit Union.

“When it comes to economic matters, there was nothing new there,” he told the Straight in a telephone interview shortly after Harper’s address. “No new measures announced—simply a statement of his position on this crisis.”

Pastrick said that with the country focused on political bickering, the economy seems to have taken a back seat to news of a potential coalition between the Liberal party and NDP, supported by the Bloc Québécois.

“To some extent, I think the economic reason behind this is probably taking a back seat,” Pastrick said. “Politicians, their first order of business is survival, and then the affairs of the state.”

In a pre-recorded statement, Harper emphasized Canada’s tradition of democracy. He then ran down a list of measures the minority Conservative government is working on to address the financial crisis in Canada.

“Canada’s government is acting to deal with the crisis now,” Harper said.

Among other things, he claimed that the Conservatives will bring tax reductions to Canadians, double spending on infrastructure, ensure credit for businesses by injecting liquidity into the marketplace, and increase support and incentives for the auto industry and forestry sector.

“And next month, on January 27, we will bring in a budget which will contain additional measures to boost Canada’s economy while making sure we avoid a long-term, structural deficit in the finances of Canada,” Harper said.

The address ended with a series of warnings about the dangers of working with separatists.

“At a time like this, a coalition with separatists cannot help Canada,” Harper said.

Pastrick downplayed the potential economic implications of a possible change in government.

“Any measures by either side will take some time to implement and impact the real economy,” Pastrick said. “So for the next three months or so, there is little that can be done to really change the economy.”

He remarked, “It’s great theatre though.”

You can follow Travis Lupick on Twitter at twitter.com/tlupick.