On March 3, 2008, Alberta voters returned the Progressive Conservative Party to power for the eleventh consecutive time. The election was a landslide win for the PC Party, whom improved both their seat total in the legislature and their share of the popular vote from the 2004 general election. The victory was viewed as a strong endorsement for Premier Ed Stelmach, whom had replaced former party leader and Premier Ralph Klein in 2007. The election was also a major disappointment for the other major political parties, whom saw substantial losses in their seat totals and electoral support. This article provides background information on the 2008 Alberta general election, including the previous general election, party standings prior to dissolution of the legislature, pre-election polls, leader biographies and platforms of the major political parties in the election, and a summary of the election results.
[Read more…] about 2008 Alberta General ElectionThe Official Opposition in the Canadian House of Commons
The opposition is an important element of the Canadian parliamentary tradition and the day-to-day operation of government. This article examines the role, structure and powers of the opposition in Canada’s premier national legislature, the House of Commons. This includes discussions of the basic nature of opposition politics, the powers of the opposition in the House, the role of the Official Opposition (as a component of the opposition), and the disadvantages faced by the opposition in its relationship with the government.
[Read more…] about The Official Opposition in the Canadian House of CommonsCanada’s Electoral System
While the origins of some elements of Canada’s electoral system can be traced back to medieval England, others have been added more recently and reflect changes in the way that election campaigns have evolved, as well as an ongoing concern that elections be kept free and fair. This article gives an overview of Canada’s federal and provincial electoral systems, including their basic framework and operation, their historical development, as well as key rules governing the conduct of political parties, election candidates, and the media.
[Read more…] about Canada’s Electoral SystemLocal Government in Canada
Local government plays a significant role in the everyday lives of Canadians. This feature provides an introduction to the organization and institutions of local government. In particular, it offers a general discussion of what local governments are and their relationship to other levels of government in Canada. Moreover, this article also provides a detailed examination of basic political and bureaucratic structures in municipalities, the most common form of local government.
[Read more…] about Local Government in Canada2007 Saskatchewan General Election
On November 7, 2007, Saskatchewan voters elected the Saskatchewan Party to a majority government, with Brad Wall becoming the new provincial Premier. The election of the Saskatchewan Party ended 16 years of rule by the provincial New Democratic Party (first under Premier Roy Romanow, and then under Premier Lorne Calvert). This article provides background information on the 2007 general election, including recent electoral and polling history, summary of the major party leaders and platforms in the election, as well as the results of the election.
[Read more…] about 2007 Saskatchewan General Election2007 Newfoundland and Labrador General Election
On October 9, 2007, Newfoundland and Labrador voters returned the provincial Progressive Conservative Party and Danny Williams to government. The election was a landslide victory for the PC Party, which won 43 of 46 seats in the provincial legislature and 69 percent of the popular vote. This article provides an overview of the 2007 election, including previous election results, pre-election party standings and polls, information on each major party’s leader and election platforms, and results of the election.
[Read more…] about 2007 Newfoundland and Labrador General Election