The Canadian Federal Election Results


Canadians elected a minority Conservative Government yesterday, or should I say did not elect a Conservative minority Government. This situation points out a glaring error in the multi-party democratic system as far more Canadians voted against the government than for. So, yes, the Conservative’s won the most seats but did not receive the most votes.

I think this result, though good for the country as the reigning Liberals really needed to be ousted, will leave Canadians facing yet another federal election shortly after the Liberals nominate a new party leader – I’d say this will happen within the year. It is also good and bad in that the Conservatives, who will need some support from the opposition to pass any bills successfully, have no natural allies. The Liberals will be focused on usurping power, the NDP’s agenda is too far to the left and the Bloc will be the Bloc.

Regardless, I do not believe that any of the mainstream federalist parties could or would radically modify this nation. Under the new government, I suspect that Canada-US relations will improve which is good. I don’t think that this will be a slippery slope sending Canadian troops into Iraq, nor do I buy into all the “Harper wants us to be American” rhetoric that former PM Martin tried to make us believe.

It will be an interesting few months. We will certainly see a revolution within the Liberal core which will be good as it might lead to two viable governing parties. Perhaps the NDP will utilise their newfound strength as well and possibly become a more viable option for Canadians. We certainly shouldn’t see the arrogance that we have become accustomed to in Canadian politics!