Now the gloves are off.

On Wednesday, Stephen Harper warned anything but a Conservative government would be an "absolute disaster" for Canada.

It was the second day in a row he ramped up the rhetoric against his campaign rivals.

"We have got to stay on a low-tax plan in this country," Harper told supporters in Welland.

"I'm aware in certain jurisdictions, including Ontario, there has been upward movement on tax rates and continued threats of upward movement on tax rates.

"I will tell you this right now, looking at Ontario, looking at Alberta, looking at some of these other jurisdictions, if we get a high-tax Liberal or NDP government federally, that will be absolute disaster for this country. We can't have every level of government raising taxes."

But NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair said his party has the "best record of any party in Canada" when it comes to responsible budgeting.

"The NDP, for example under Tommy Douglas, brought in 18 consecutive balanced budgets and brought in medicare," Mulcair said. "It is a proud tradition in the NDP. We don't build our programs on the backs of future generations -- we think it is time that stopped."

During a campaign stop in Toronto, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau repeatedly criticized Harper for using the politics of fear and continued to try to strike an optimistic tone.

"This is Canada, better is always possible," Trudeau said.

He also continued to swing away at Mulcair's campaign promises.

"You can't be Tommy Douglas on a Stephen Harper budget," Trudeau said.

Asked about Harper's comments Wednesday, Liberal spokesman Cameron Ahmad said Harper's ten years in power have left too many Canadians struggling to make ends meet.

"Under Harper, Canada has had its worst economic growth record in 80 years, seen eight consecutive Conservative deficits, two recessions, and billions in benefits for the wealthiest few," he said.

"This election is about making sure Canadians have more opportunities to succeed. Right now, Conservatives are more worried about their own jobs than they are about Canadians."

don.peat@sunmedia.ca