Political Parties

In General

Parties play a major role in society and democracy

They offer choice, and choice = democracyEach party has ideas, policies, and beliefs

(platforms)

Functions

1. A way for people to work together2. Voters see a particular set of principles

(ideology)3. Gives organization to the political process4. Recruiting practices5. Legitimizes candidates6. Acts as a filter to limit gov’t ability

Federal Parties in Canada

Bloc Québécois

Created in 1990 as a result of the failure of the Meech Lake Accord

Believe that Québec should separate from Canada and become a sovereign state.

Because Quebec has the 2nd largest pop in Canada, they can take advantage of regionalism to gain seats in parliament.

Liberal Party

Supports individual freedom and the pursuit of equality or opportunity for all people.

Favours the expansion of social programs (such as health care and education)

Believes in the value of multiculturalism and is sympathetic to the hopes of French Canadians.

Conservative PartySupports a balance between a balanced budget

and supporting social programs.Believes in the equality of all Canadians, and in

the freedom of the individualSupports both English and French as the official

languages of CanadaSupports free enterprise – the freedom of private

businesses to operate competitively, for profit, and without gov’t controls.

Supports free trade – arrangements where tariffs or other barriers to the free flow of goods and services are eliminated.

New Democratic Party

Believes that gov’t should intervene in certain important aspects of the economy – against the privatization of gov’t run Crown corps.

Favours welfare measures – EI, welfare payments

Believes that the gov’t should pay for health care and education, and that all Canadians should have equal access to these services regardless of their ability to pay.

Other Parties to Note

Green – focus on environment and social issues

Western Canada Concept Party – born out of regionalism, for Western separation from Canada.

Federal Ridings in Vancouver Island 2011

2015 New Ridings

2008 Federal Election Results

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canadavotes/ridings/british_columbia.html

Provincial Ridings

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/bc-election/electionmap/ridings_map.html