Results of Canadian Election

[Jozep]

I know this is probably only of interest to the Canadian Threshers, but what were your thoughts on the election results?

LIB 136 CPC 94 BQ 55 NDP 22 IND 1

To me, I think it was to be expected. Canadians in general are a little more socially progressive than the Conservative Party agenda, I don't think they could win unless they got rid of all the 'rednecks' in the party. The NDP, bless their souls for being such idealists, will never win, but I am glad they are doing better.

The Liberals, without the huge majority, will maybe be a little more humble, a little less arrogant, and most likely will be pumping huge cash into social programs and Health Care. WHich is not necessarily a bad thing.

I am disappointed that the BQ did so well, I guess the desire to separate will always be there, which is very sad. Personally, I don't really think of Quebec as being a Distinct Society, I think it is Quebec that makes Canada a Distinct Society. Without Quebec, well, what are we? Too American to be British, too British to be American!

ANyway, let's hope we can avoid another election any time soon! Looking ahead with interest to the American elections in November ...

[Gesslar]

A minority government has in the past prompted another re-election. let's hope that doesn't happen as i don't particularly see that helping anything...although Bloc members having seats in the House makes me giggle. I guess you're not Ontarian? Or if you are, you don't remember Bob Rae? The NDP have been in power here and I think they've had Maritime provinces, too. But federally? No, I don't think that's going to happen, either. Ontario is still recovering from Bob Rae. I was fairly confident that a Conservative government wouldn't happen. Canadians haven't forgotten Brian Mulroney/Kim Campbell.

[Pae]

Don't forget the Manitoba folks, we're NDP and have been that way for awhile.

Just looking at the latest numbers though

135 (liberal) + 19 (ndp) = 154
99 (pc) + 54 (bq) = 153

In theory, that lone independant riding could make a difference!

[Jozep]

I meant NDP would likely never run the gov't federally. They have of course had some great success provincially across Canada.

Yes, the numbers changed from what was in the paper this AM, probably from last few ballots changing a few close races. At that time, it appeared as though a Liberal/NDP alliance would be imminent.

Now, it appears that the Liberals will be forced to try and appease the BQ a little more - which willl likely provoke more resentment towards the Liberals out here in the West.

I was also surprised to see how low the voter turnout was. They were hyping up this election like it would be a lot higher in the media.

We had a Communist running in my riding! I thought that was hilarious.

[kestra]

I agree with Jozep's view that the Liberal's minority victory will, hopefully make them a little less arrogant, and hopefully make them realize that their good 'ol days are over.
Harper and the conservatives will continue to watch them very closely, and the Libs know this.
This was a bitter sweet victory for Martin. I'll be amazed if he can hold it together.

[Aristotle]

God, I wish we had more than 2 viable political parties.

[Gesslar]

i don't think anybody likes the BQ. I honestly cannot see the Liberals cowing to them.

[Jozep]

But think about it - the success of the BQ is also a slap in the face to the Liberals. In order for them to regain their majority, they will need to win back some of those seats in Quebec. And they may not have a lot of time before the next election to appease them. Expect the government agenda to strongly favor Quebec for the next year, the Libs know that is the only place for them to get their majority back.

Sadly. for the gov't to remain in power, they are going to have to throw a few bones to the Bloc. And that sucks for the rest of us.