MONTREAL - Quebec Premier Jean Charest says he's open to calling an election this year, but isn't likely to base his campaign on the so-called fiscal gap between the provinces and Ottawa.
The Liberal premier indicated he's likely to campaign on his government's record, and expects the federal Conservative government to take steps to solve the fiscal imbalance in next upcoming budget.
"Mr. Harper promised to move on the fiscal imbalance question," Charest told a news conference Friday. "I expect (him) to make a gesture, I don't expect him to fix everything."
Charest also said he's not expecting a consensus on the fiscal gap at a meeting of provincial and territorial leaders in February although he said he expects a common provincial front on the financing of post-secondary education.
The premier said Ottawa doesn't seem enthusiastic about transferring tax points to the provinces.
Charest could call an election as early as this spring but has until 2008 to go to the polls.
