On a number of issues, the government, I think, will be more sympathetic, but they're going to have to move very cautiously and very carefully.

That will certainly become a barrier. But the first step would be to get it past a free vote in the House of Commons.

The question is whether Harper can convince the Canadian population that he is trustworthy and will do what he said he would, and that he does not have a hidden agenda. If people get more comfortable with him, then I think he has a chance to probably expand his base.