Harper and family

Prime Minister Stephen Harper was joined by wife Laureen when he took the stage at a stop in Quebec City on the election's first day.

Word is that she intends to campaign with him more than in previous elections years and may even venture out to do some election work on her own.

The couple's two children -- Ben, 12, and Rachel, 9 -- are remaining behind in Ottawa under the care of Harper's mother, who flew in from Calgary for the baby-sitting duties at 24 Sussex Dr.

As well, she'll be tending a litter of seven foster kittens. Both the Prime Minister and his wife are feline lovers and have opened the official residence to foster cats to help promote pet adoptions.

Lucky for Harper's mother that most of the kittens have been adopted and will be leaving 24 Sussex over the coming week or so.

- Bruce Campion-Smith