Political Leadership in Canada:Party Systems and Party LeadershipFall-Winter 2010-11

Four Party Systems

1. 1867-1921 Two party, Patronage Era

2. 1921-1960 Regional Brokerage Era

3. 1960-1993 Pan-Canadian Politics

4. 1993- A new party system emerges that is highly regionalized, with new forms of party competition.

A Party System?A Party System?

A party system is distinguished by: A party system is distinguished by: The character and number of individual The character and number of individual

parties.parties. The nature of competition among the The nature of competition among the

parties and the issues that divide them.parties and the issues that divide them. Forms of party organization and activity.Forms of party organization and activity. Cycles of party mobilization of Cycles of party mobilization of

electorate.electorate. Nature of party governance in office.Nature of party governance in office.

First Party System: First Party System: Patronage Patronage

1867-19211867-1921 Two-party system based on the historic parties of Two-party system based on the historic parties of

Confederation.Confederation. Rather loose networks of local notables.Rather loose networks of local notables. Federal and provincial parties tied together.Federal and provincial parties tied together. Leaders chosen by their parliamentary caucuses.Leaders chosen by their parliamentary caucuses. Many argue that there were not major ideological Many argue that there were not major ideological

differences between parties.differences between parties. Patronage was the organizational basis of the Patronage was the organizational basis of the

parties.parties. Collapsed during and after First World War.Collapsed during and after First World War.

Origins of Canadian Origins of Canadian Political Parties Political Parties

Canada’s two dominant political parties, the Canada’s two dominant political parties, the Liberals and Conservatives, had their Liberals and Conservatives, had their origins in Pre-Confederation politics, origins in Pre-Confederation politics, particularly in the Province of Canada.particularly in the Province of Canada.

Still they were relatively loose associations of Still they were relatively loose associations of interests and personalities until about interests and personalities until about 1896. By that time, they had become 1896. By that time, they had become somewhat more formalized groups and had somewhat more formalized groups and had extended their reach across the country.extended their reach across the country.

Conservative Party Conservative Party

Known as the Liberal-Conservative Known as the Liberal-Conservative Party until the 1870s. Party until the 1870s.

In the Province of Canada, it was a In the Province of Canada, it was a diverse coalition of Tories (John A. diverse coalition of Tories (John A. Macdonald) and moderate reformers Macdonald) and moderate reformers from Canada West, and from Canada West, and BleusBleus (George-(George-Étienne Cartier) and Étienne Cartier) and business interests from Canada East.business interests from Canada East.

John A. MacdonaldJohn A. Macdonald

PM 1867-1873, 1878-PM 1867-1873, 1878-18911891

Macdonald was one of Macdonald was one of the major advocates the major advocates of and architects of of and architects of Confederation.Confederation.

He skillfully led a diverse He skillfully led a diverse Conservative coalition, Conservative coalition, added by his Quebec added by his Quebec lieutenant George-lieutenant George-Étienne Cartier.Étienne Cartier.

Liberal PartyLiberal Party

The Liberal Party had its origins in a loose The Liberal Party had its origins in a loose coalition of forces (the Reform party) from coalition of forces (the Reform party) from the Province of Canada, including the Clear the Province of Canada, including the Clear Grits of Canada West and the Grits of Canada West and the Parti RougeParti Rouge of of Canada East.Canada East.

The Pacific Scandal brought down the The Pacific Scandal brought down the Macdonald government and brought the Macdonald government and brought the Liberals led by Alexander Mackenzie to Liberals led by Alexander Mackenzie to power (1873-1878). They then won the 1874 power (1873-1878). They then won the 1874 election. election.

Alexander MackenzieAlexander Mackenzie

PM 1873-1878PM 1873-1878

Leader of the Leader of the Opposition 1878-80Opposition 1878-80

His Liberal His Liberal government:government:

Introduced the secret Introduced the secret ballot (1874) and ballot (1874) and reformed the reformed the electoral process.electoral process.

The Return of John A. The Return of John A. MacdonaldMacdonald

Macdonald returned to power from 1878 to Macdonald returned to power from 1878 to 1891 (winning four consecutive 1891 (winning four consecutive elections).elections).

During these years, his government During these years, his government introduced the National Policy, involving:introduced the National Policy, involving: tariffs, tariffs, the building of the transcontinental railwaythe building of the transcontinental railway and the settlement of western Canada.and the settlement of western Canada.

After Sir John A. MacdonaldAfter Sir John A. Macdonald

After Macdonald’s death in 1891 he After Macdonald’s death in 1891 he was succeeded by fellow was succeeded by fellow Conservatives: Conservatives:

John Abbott, 1891-92John Abbott, 1891-92 John Thompson, 1892-94John Thompson, 1892-94 Mackenzie Bowell, 1894-96Mackenzie Bowell, 1894-96 Charles Tupper, 1896Charles Tupper, 1896

Wilfrid LaurierWilfrid Laurier

PM 1896-1911, remained PM 1896-1911, remained Liberal leader and Liberal leader and leader of opposition leader of opposition until his death in 1919.until his death in 1919.

The Liberal Party was The Liberal Party was solidified by Laurier solidified by Laurier and after his election and after his election victory in 1896.victory in 1896.

Laurier turned the Laurier turned the Liberal Party into a Liberal Party into a moderate brokerage moderate brokerage party and successful party and successful governing coalition.governing coalition.

Brokerage PartiesBrokerage Parties

Canada’s main political parties are frequently Canada’s main political parties are frequently described as brokerage parties.described as brokerage parties.

They seek to build broad coalitions of supporters, They seek to build broad coalitions of supporters, often reaching across political cleavages to unite often reaching across political cleavages to unite all classes, all religious and ethnic groups, and as all classes, all religious and ethnic groups, and as much as possible all regions. much as possible all regions.

Macdonald’s successful governing coalition was Macdonald’s successful governing coalition was diverse. diverse.

Laurier brought the Liberals to power by watering Laurier brought the Liberals to power by watering down the his party’s ideological positions and down the his party’s ideological positions and becoming much like the Conservatives. becoming much like the Conservatives.

Traditional differences between Traditional differences between

Liberals and Conservatives?Liberals and Conservatives?For about the first 100 years after Confederation:For about the first 100 years after Confederation:

Conservatives developed a base among Conservatives developed a base among Protestants, favoured a strong central government, Protestants, favoured a strong central government, strong ties to Britain, tended to be suspicious of strong ties to Britain, tended to be suspicious of the United States and opposed to free trade.the United States and opposed to free trade.

Liberals developed a base among Catholics, leaned Liberals developed a base among Catholics, leaned toward provincial rights, pushed toward toward provincial rights, pushed toward independence from Britain, promoted close independence from Britain, promoted close relations with US, and favoured free trade.relations with US, and favoured free trade.

Ideological divisionsIdeological divisions

LiberalsLiberals

business liberalismbusiness liberalism welfare liberalismwelfare liberalism

ConservativesConservatives

toryismtoryism business liberalismbusiness liberalism

Debating Free TradeDebating Free Trade

Liberals leaned toward Liberals leaned toward autonomy from Britain autonomy from Britain and freer trade with and freer trade with US, while US, while Conservatives resisted Conservatives resisted these trends. these trends.

Laurier and the Laurier and the Liberals campaigned Liberals campaigned on freer trade with US on freer trade with US in 1891 and 1911.in 1891 and 1911.

Both times they lost to Both times they lost to the Conservatives.the Conservatives.

1911 Election1911 Election

Laurier and the Liberals were defeated Laurier and the Liberals were defeated due to:due to:– proposed Reciprocity deal with USproposed Reciprocity deal with US– Naval Service BillNaval Service Bill

The Liberals were squeezed between The Liberals were squeezed between pro-British sentiment and French pro-British sentiment and French Canadian nationalism.Canadian nationalism.

The Liberals lost Ontario and saw their The Liberals lost Ontario and saw their base in Quebec seriously eroded.base in Quebec seriously eroded.

Robert BordenRobert Borden

PMPM

1911-1917 1911-1917 ConservativeConservative

1917-1920 Unionist1917-1920 Unionist

““No truck or trade No truck or trade with the Yankees” - with the Yankees” - 19111911

1917 Election: 1917 Election: A Divided CountryA Divided Country

The First World War and The First World War and the battle over the battle over conscription led to the conscription led to the creation of a Union creation of a Union Government, comprised Government, comprised of the Conservatives of the Conservatives and English-speaking and English-speaking Liberals. Liberals.

Laurier and many Laurier and many French-speaking French-speaking Liberals opposed Liberals opposed conscription.conscription.

Of 235 seats, the Of 235 seats, the Unionists won 153 Unionists won 153 and the Liberals and the Liberals 82. 82.

In Quebec, the In Quebec, the Liberals won 62 of Liberals won 62 of 65 seats.65 seats.

Civil Service ReformCivil Service Reform

Civil Service Amendment ActCivil Service Amendment Act of 1908 of 1908 Civil Service ActCivil Service Act of 1918 of 1918 These acts gradually developed a These acts gradually developed a

federal public service based on the federal public service based on the merit principle rather than partisan merit principle rather than partisan ties and patronage appointments.ties and patronage appointments.

Second Party System: Second Party System: Regional BrokerageRegional Brokerage

1921-19601921-1960 Women gain right to vote.Women gain right to vote. First major third party challenge, the Progressive Party. First major third party challenge, the Progressive Party.

Emergence of Co-operative Commonwealth Federation Emergence of Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) – 1932 and Social Credit - 1935. Regional politics (CCF) – 1932 and Social Credit - 1935. Regional politics but also class politics, farmer and working class.but also class politics, farmer and working class.

Changing role of the state in economy.Changing role of the state in economy. Governing parties brokered regional interests through Governing parties brokered regional interests through

powerful regional political bosses in cabinet.powerful regional political bosses in cabinet. Movement toward delegate conventions to choose Movement toward delegate conventions to choose

party leaders.party leaders. Quebec became Liberal bastion.Quebec became Liberal bastion. Growing separation of federal and provincial politics.Growing separation of federal and provincial politics. Radio becomes an election campaign toolRadio becomes an election campaign tool

1921 Election: 1921 Election: Third Party ChallengeThird Party Challenge

SeatsSeats VotesVotes

LiberalsLiberals 117117 41%41%

ProgressivesProgressives 6464 23%23%

ConservativesConservatives 5050 30%30%

OthersOthers 44 6%6%

The ProgressivesThe Progressives

The Progressives were to some extent The Progressives were to some extent a splinter group that broke from the a splinter group that broke from the Liberal Party in protest against the Liberal Party in protest against the Liberal drift away from free trade Liberal drift away from free trade policies and attention to agrarian policies and attention to agrarian interests.interests.

Moderate Progressive leaders such as Moderate Progressive leaders such as Thomas Crerar and Robert Forke Thomas Crerar and Robert Forke gradually returned to the Liberal Party. gradually returned to the Liberal Party.

Multi-party politicsMulti-party politics

Even though the Progressives faded Even though the Progressives faded away rather quickly, they ushered in away rather quickly, they ushered in the era of multi-party politics.the era of multi-party politics.

No longer would Canadian electoral No longer would Canadian electoral politics be simply a two party affair.politics be simply a two party affair.

New parties raised regional, class New parties raised regional, class and ideological critiques of the two and ideological critiques of the two traditional parties.traditional parties.

From 1867 to 1921From 1867 to 1921

Canada and its political system Canada and its political system underwent a massive transition.underwent a massive transition.

From four provinces to nine.From four provinces to nine. Population grew from 3.5 to 8.8 million.Population grew from 3.5 to 8.8 million. Franchise had become much broader Franchise had become much broader

and electoral process had been and electoral process had been transformed.transformed.

The civil service was now expected to The civil service was now expected to be neutral and based on merit rather be neutral and based on merit rather than partisan and based on patronage.than partisan and based on patronage.

Class Struggle and Political Class Struggle and Political ReformReform

Farmer’s Siege of Ottawa, 1910Farmer’s Siege of Ottawa, 1910 Winnipeg General Strike, 1919Winnipeg General Strike, 1919 Formation of Progressive Party, 1920Formation of Progressive Party, 1920 Communist Party of Canada, 1921Communist Party of Canada, 1921 Turmoil of the Great Depression: formation Turmoil of the Great Depression: formation

of Social Credit, Cooperative of Social Credit, Cooperative Commonwealth Federation, On-to-Ottawa Commonwealth Federation, On-to-Ottawa Trek.Trek.

Rise of industrial unions, 1930s and 40s.Rise of industrial unions, 1930s and 40s.

New form of brokerage New form of brokerage politicspolitics

In an increasingly urbanized and In an increasingly urbanized and industrialized country, the political industrialized country, the political parties had to broker not only parties had to broker not only linguistic and religious cleavages, but linguistic and religious cleavages, but also the class cleavage. also the class cleavage.

As the country grew (from 4 As the country grew (from 4 provinces to 9), the regional provinces to 9), the regional cleavage became more difficult to cleavage became more difficult to manage. manage.

William Lyon Mackenzie KingWilliam Lyon Mackenzie King

Liberal Liberal

PM 1921-1926, 1926-PM 1921-1926, 1926-1930,1930,

1935-19481935-1948

Industry and HumanityIndustry and Humanity, , 19181918

““conscription if conscription if necessary, but not necessary, but not necessarily necessarily conscription” WWIIconscription” WWII

Richard B. BennettRichard B. Bennett

Conservative Conservative PM 1930-1935PM 1930-1935

Bennett New Deal Bennett New Deal "The old order is gone…I "The old order is gone…I

am for reform. And in am for reform. And in my mind, reform my mind, reform means government means government intervention. It means intervention. It means government control government control and regulation. It and regulation. It means the end of means the end of laissez-faire." - 1935laissez-faire." - 1935

http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/primeministers/h4-4049-e.html

W.L.M.K.W.L.M.K.

The turmoil of the Great Depression The turmoil of the Great Depression brought Mackenzie King back to power brought Mackenzie King back to power in 1935, but his government did little to in 1935, but his government did little to directly address the economic problems.directly address the economic problems.

Reductions in trade barriers with the US Reductions in trade barriers with the US were pursued and implemented.were pursued and implemented.

Not until during and after WWII would Not until during and after WWII would King take up the issue of social reforms.King take up the issue of social reforms.

The Progressive The Progressive ConservativesConservatives

In 1942, long-time Manitoba Premier In 1942, long-time Manitoba Premier John Bracken won the leadership of John Bracken won the leadership of the Conservative Party andthe Conservative Party and

the party added “Progressive” to the party added “Progressive” to their name.their name.

The Shift to Keynesianism

Great Depression of the 1930s War economy, 1939-45 Foreign models: Franklin Delano Roosevelt

(1933-45) in USA, Labour Party government (1945-51) in Britain.

Prestige of our good ally, the Soviet Union! Rise of the CCF Rise of industrial unionism

Louis St. LaurentLouis St. Laurent

LiberalLiberal

PM 1948-1957PM 1948-1957

““Uncle Louis”Uncle Louis”“the Liberal Party’s fusion

with the Canadian state and the business community was almost taken for granted” (Clarkson, 2005: 11).

John DiefenbakerJohn Diefenbaker

Progressive ConservativeProgressive Conservative

PM 1957-1963PM 1957-1963

Party leader 1956-67Party leader 1956-67

The Diefenbaker The Diefenbaker “Interlude”“Interlude”

The Conservatives, led by The Conservatives, led by Diefenbaker, won the Diefenbaker, won the largest electoral landslide largest electoral landslide in Canadian history in in Canadian history in 1958, but were reduced 1958, but were reduced to a minority in 1962.to a minority in 1962.

Impact of DiefenbakerImpact of Diefenbaker

Diefenbaker added an element of Diefenbaker added an element of prairie populism to the Progressive prairie populism to the Progressive Conservatives, while still maintaining Conservatives, while still maintaining a significant tory touch.a significant tory touch.

Under Diefenbaker, the Progressive Under Diefenbaker, the Progressive Conservatives created a solid base in Conservatives created a solid base in western Canada.western Canada.

The Tory SyndromeThe Tory Syndrome

If the Liberals were ‘the government If the Liberals were ‘the government party’, the Progressive Conservatives party’, the Progressive Conservatives were rather entrenched as the were rather entrenched as the opposition party.opposition party.

The Tory Syndrome - The Conservative The Tory Syndrome - The Conservative party’s tendency toward infighting party’s tendency toward infighting and disputes over leadership.and disputes over leadership.

Third Party System: Pan-Canadian Politics

1960-1993 End of racial discrimination in voter rights. Regional issues now ‘managed’ through executive federalism

rather than within governing party. Diefenbaker sweep of 1958 ushers in PC strength on prairies. CCF becomes NDP in 1961. Social Credit fades away late 70s. In 1970, voting age reduced from 21 to 18. Significant party finance reforms are introduced. Disentangling of federal and provincial party organizations. Opinion polling and television advertising shape election

campaigns. First televised leaders’ debate - 1968.

Third Party System

By the early 60s television was altering the political process. Campaigns were increasingly being turned over to the professional pollsters, advertisers and public relations experts.

The party leader (and his image and media performance) became increasingly important.

Regionalism could no longer be brokered through cabinet ministers, the provincial Premiers had become national players. Provincial parties were also increasingly distinct from federal parties.

Third Party System

The 1957 election was the first Canadian campaign to be covered by television.

Diefenbaker used the medium more successfully than St. Laurent.

Polling became seriously used by the Liberals in the early 60s.

TV advertising becomes vital (and expensive) tool.

Impact of Third Party System

Television coverage increased the focus and emphasis on the party leaders. First leaders debate – 1968.

The parties used the national networks to wage national pan-Canadian campaigns (at least outside Quebec).

Opinion polling largely replaced regional lieutenants, MPs and party grassroots in role of keeping tabs on the pulse of the nation.

Social Transformation of the Social Transformation of the 60s60s

Quiet Revolution in QuebecQuiet Revolution in Quebec Liberalization of Canada’s Liberalization of Canada’s

immigration policy in 1967immigration policy in 1967 Baby boomers come of ageBaby boomers come of age Social movements of the late 60sSocial movements of the late 60s Labour militancy from late 60s to Labour militancy from late 60s to

mid-70smid-70s

Lester PearsonLester Pearson

LiberalLiberalPM 1963-68PM 1963-68

He was never able to He was never able to win a majority win a majority government, government, forming minority forming minority governments after governments after the 1963 and 65 the 1963 and 65 elections.elections.

The Growth of Social Programs

Old Age Pensions (1927)Blind Persons’ Allowance (1937)Unemployment Insurance (1941)Family Allowances (1944)Old Age Security (1951)Hospital Insurance (1957)Canada Pension Plan (1966)Canada Assistance Plan (1966)Guaranteed Income Supplement (1966)Medical Insurance (1968)U.I. expanded (1971)

Pierre TrudeauPierre Trudeau

LiberalLiberal

PM 1968-1979, PM 1968-1979,

1980-19841980-1984

Despite his lengthy Despite his lengthy period in power, he period in power, he was never able to was never able to win back-to-back win back-to-back majority majority governments.governments.

1969 White Paper1969 White Paper

Pierre Trudeau and Indian Affairs Minister Pierre Trudeau and Indian Affairs Minister Jean ChrJean Chrétien issued a “Statement of the étien issued a “Statement of the Government of Canada on Indian Policy, Government of Canada on Indian Policy, 1969.”1969.”

It proposed to get rid of Indian Act and It proposed to get rid of Indian Act and Indian Status and treat Aboriginals the Indian Status and treat Aboriginals the same as other Canadians.same as other Canadians.

Natives saw this as a proposal for Natives saw this as a proposal for assimilation and reacted strongly against assimilation and reacted strongly against it. The proposal was dropped.it. The proposal was dropped.

Trudeau and Liberal Trudeau and Liberal FlexibilityFlexibility

In 1974, campaigning against Robert In 1974, campaigning against Robert Stanfield and the Progressive Stanfield and the Progressive Conservatives, Trudeau lashed out at the Conservatives, Trudeau lashed out at the PC proposal for wage and price controls to PC proposal for wage and price controls to tackle inflation. Trudeau: “What’s he tackle inflation. Trudeau: “What’s he [Stanfield] going to freeze? He’s going to [Stanfield] going to freeze? He’s going to freeze your wages.”freeze your wages.”

In 1975, having won the election, Trudeau In 1975, having won the election, Trudeau introduced wage and price controls and introduced wage and price controls and attempted to freeze workers’ wages. attempted to freeze workers’ wages.

Trudeau and RegionalismTrudeau and Regionalism In 1968, Trudeau was able to win a majority In 1968, Trudeau was able to win a majority

govt, but even at the height of govt, but even at the height of ‘Trudeaumania’ the Liberals won majorities ‘Trudeaumania’ the Liberals won majorities of the seats in Quebec, Ontario and BC, but of the seats in Quebec, Ontario and BC, but no other provinces.no other provinces.

After losing the 1979 election, the Liberals After losing the 1979 election, the Liberals returned with a majority govt in 1980, with returned with a majority govt in 1980, with two seats in Manitoba, but none in the other two seats in Manitoba, but none in the other three western provinces. three western provinces.

By 1984, Trudeau left the Liberals By 1984, Trudeau left the Liberals decimated in western Canada.decimated in western Canada.

The patriation of the constitution was highly The patriation of the constitution was highly controversial in Quebec. controversial in Quebec.

John TurnerJohn Turner

Turner becomes PMTurner becomes PM

http://archives.cbc.ca/politics/prime_mihttp://archives.cbc.ca/politics/prime_ministers/clips/13052/nisters/clips/13052/ 1984 leaders debate1984 leaders debate

http://archives.cbc.ca/politics/federal_phttp://archives.cbc.ca/politics/federal_politics/clips/15790/olitics/clips/15790/

The Mulroney ‘Coalition’The Mulroney ‘Coalition’

Mulroney was able to hold the Mulroney was able to hold the Conservatives’ western Canadian Conservatives’ western Canadian base, but add Ontario and Quebec. base, but add Ontario and Quebec.

In 1984, the PCs won 211 of 282 In 1984, the PCs won 211 of 282 seats, with 50% of the national vote, seats, with 50% of the national vote, taking a majority of the seats in taking a majority of the seats in every province and sweeping the every province and sweeping the territories. territories.

The Mulroney ‘Coalition’The Mulroney ‘Coalition’

In 1988, the PCs were re-elected with In 1988, the PCs were re-elected with a majority government (with 43% of a majority government (with 43% of the vote), but with a clear majority of the vote), but with a clear majority of the seats from only two provinces, the seats from only two provinces, Alberta and Quebec.Alberta and Quebec.

The subsequent collapse of PC The subsequent collapse of PC support in these two provinces would support in these two provinces would not only decimate the PCs, but lead not only decimate the PCs, but lead to the formation of two new parties.to the formation of two new parties.

Canadian Business Embraces Continentalism Business groups like the BCNI (which later becomes

the CCCE) and think tanks like C.D. Howe Institute helped generate a business consensus in favour of free trade with the US.

Canadian State Embraces Continentalism Royal Commission on the Economic Union and

Development Prospects for Canada, Macdonald Commission, 1982-85

Canada-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA), 1989 [http://archives.cbc.ca/politics/prime_ministers/clips/9807/]

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), 1994

Meanwhile, GATT was transformed into the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1994.

The FTA and NAFTA: More than ‘free trade’ agreementsAlong with trade in goods, these deals cover: services investment and investor rights national procurement policies intellectual property rights energy provisions (Canadian govts can not act to give Canadians

preferential access to Canadian energy, such as oil. US consumers and

business have their access to Canadian energy protected.)

Brian Mulroney

The 1988 Leaders Debate

Fourth Party System: Regionalized Party Competition

1993- Sudden emergence of Bloc Québécois and Reform

Party. Charter of Rights has completed development of

universal franchise for adults. Development of permanent voters list. Emergence of new communications technologies. Major changes in party finance regulations. Parties increasingly choosing their leaders by

system of one-member-one-vote rather than delegated conventions.

Formed in 1991, led by Lucien Bouchard, formerly a member of Mulroney’s cabinet.

The BQ caucus was initially comprised of former PCs and Liberals.

The first elected BQ MP was Gilles Duceppe, winning a by-election in 1990.

After Bouchard left to become Quebec Premier, the BQ was briefly led by Michel Gauthier, 1996-97.

Gilles Duceppe leader since 1997.

Bloc Québécois

Election Seats Vote (Quebec)

1993 54 49%

1997 44 38%

2000 38 40%

2004 54 49%

2006 51 42%

Formed in 1987, led by Preston Manning.

Ran only in the four western provinces in 1988. Won a federal by-election in 1989.

Became the Canadian Alliance in 2000 with Stockwell Day as leader.

Reform/Canadian Alliance/CPC

Election Seats Vote

1993 52 18.7%

1997 60 19.4%

2000 66 25.5%

2004 99 29.6%

2006 124 36.3%

1993 Election results

Liberals 41% 177 seats

BQ 13.5% 54

Reform 18.7% 52

NDP 6.9% 9

PC 16% 2

Chrétien’s Liberal MajorityChrétien’s Liberal Majority

The Liberals were able to win three The Liberals were able to win three straight majority governments (1993, straight majority governments (1993, 1997, 2000), due to two related facts.1997, 2000), due to two related facts.

the weak and divided opposition.the weak and divided opposition. Liberal dominance of Ontario (98 out Liberal dominance of Ontario (98 out

of 99 seats; 101/103; 100/103).of 99 seats; 101/103; 100/103).Thus the Liberals won majorities with Thus the Liberals won majorities with

only 41.3%, 38.5% and 40.8% of the only 41.3%, 38.5% and 40.8% of the federal vote.federal vote.

The Chrétien GovernmentThe Chrétien Government ““The Reagan-Thatcher revolution was so The Reagan-Thatcher revolution was so

successful that it permanently undermined the successful that it permanently undermined the traditional social democratic/left-liberal traditional social democratic/left-liberal consensus in a number of democratic consensus in a number of democratic countries.”countries.”

““It worked domestically to undermine the left-It worked domestically to undermine the left-liberal- or social-democratic consensus, liberal- or social-democratic consensus, causing those parties to simply stop fighting causing those parties to simply stop fighting and adopt much of the winning conservative and adopt much of the winning conservative agenda.”agenda.”

““Socialists and liberals began to stand for Socialists and liberals began to stand for balanced budgets, the superiority of markets, balanced budgets, the superiority of markets, welfare reversal, free trade and some welfare reversal, free trade and some privatization” (Harper, 2003: 74). privatization” (Harper, 2003: 74).

Federal Govt Response

Massive spending cuts,

especially in 1995 budget.

Canada Health and Social Transfer (CHST)

replaces EPF and

Canada Assistance Plan (CAP)

Federal Govt Response

“The 1995 federal budget marked a fundamental shift in the role of the

federal state in Canada”

(McBride, 2005: 106).

1995 Federal Budget Speech “Relative to the size of our economy, program spending will be lower in

1996-97 than at any time since 1951.” “We are acting on a new vision of the role of government in the

economy.” “overall departmental spending will be cut by almost 19 per cent in just

three years.” “the public service will be reduced by some 45,000 positions, of which

20,000 will be eliminated by the summer of next year.” “The government is committed to privatizing and commercializing

government operations wherever that is feasible and appropriate.” “we believe that the restrictions attached by the federal government to

transfer payments in areas of clear provincial responsibility should be minimized.”

“In 1997-98, the Canada Social Transfer will be…about $4.5 billion less than what would have been transferred under the existing system.”

Post-Referendum Response The federal government continued to download

powers to all of the provinces. The federal government passed a resolution

recognizing Quebec as a distinct society (1995). The federal government passed a resolution

(1996) declaring that it would not support future constitutional amendments without the consent of Quebec (and Ontario, BC, with regional vetoes for the prairies and the Atlantic provinces).

The Clarity Act (2000).

Conservative Party of Canada: Conservative Party of Canada: Merger 2003Merger 2003

After years of division on the right:After years of division on the right: Peter MacKay as leader of the Peter MacKay as leader of the

Progressive Conservatives Progressive Conservatives and Stephen Harper of the Canadian and Stephen Harper of the Canadian

Alliance Alliance successfully merged their two parties successfully merged their two parties

in 2003.in 2003.

““the Three Sisters”the Three Sisters”

Stephen Harper and Tom Flanagan, in a Stephen Harper and Tom Flanagan, in a series of speeches and articles, have series of speeches and articles, have described the kind of conservative described the kind of conservative coalition necessary to build a majority coalition necessary to build a majority government.government.

• populists, primarily in the west, but also in populists, primarily in the west, but also in rural Ontariorural Ontario

• traditional ‘Tories’ in Ontario and Atlantic traditional ‘Tories’ in Ontario and Atlantic CanadaCanada

• Quebec nationalistsQuebec nationalists

Building a Conservative Building a Conservative Majority?Majority?

In 2004, the CPC was able to break In 2004, the CPC was able to break into Ontario, with 24 seats. This into Ontario, with 24 seats. This expanded to 40 in 2006 and then 51 expanded to 40 in 2006 and then 51 in 2008.in 2008.

The Conservatives won 10 seats in The Conservatives won 10 seats in Quebec in 2006 and again in 2008.Quebec in 2006 and again in 2008.

A Return to Brokerage A Return to Brokerage Politics?Politics?

The Reform Party-Canadian Alliance The Reform Party-Canadian Alliance was formed in protest against the was formed in protest against the brokerage politics of the Progressive brokerage politics of the Progressive Conservative Party.Conservative Party.

However, the new Conservative Party However, the new Conservative Party of Canada seems determined to act of Canada seems determined to act as a brokerage party, even to as a brokerage party, even to recreate the Mulroney coalition.recreate the Mulroney coalition.

Conservative Govt of Stephen Harper

Gave Quebec a formal international role in UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

Parliamentary motion passed: "That this House recognize that the Québécois form a nation within a united Canada."