CANADA HISTORY - Elections

2008 ELECTION


The 2008 Federal Election in Canada

The 2008 federal election, held on October 14, 2008, was a pivotal moment in Canadian politics. This election saw the Conservative Party, led by Stephen Harper, seeking to transition from a minority government to a majority one. However, despite Harper's hopes, the result was another Conservative minority government. The Liberal Party, under Stéphane Dion, struggled with leadership issues and an unpopular environmental platform, while the New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Jack Layton, gained modest ground as a growing progressive voice. In Quebec, the Bloc Québécois, under Gilles Duceppe, continued to dominate, capitalizing on provincial concerns. The Green Party, led by Elizabeth May, participated more prominently in national debates, though they did not win any seats. The global economic crisis and concerns over environmental policy were significant factors that shaped the election.

Political Situation Before the Election

The 2008 election came after two years of Conservative minority rule, with Stephen Harper as Prime Minister. Harper had led the Conservative Party to a minority government victory in the 2006 federal election, ending 13 years of Liberal Party dominance. His government focused on tax cuts, military strengthening, and crime reduction, with Harper aiming to present the Conservatives as stable fiscal managers. However, his administration was often accused of being overly secretive, controlling the flow of information, and governing in a highly partisan manner. The Conservatives had managed to maintain power by carefully navigating the minority government situation, relying on opposition support for key legislation.

Global Financial Crisis: The 2008 election was called during a period of growing economic uncertainty. The global financial crisis, triggered by the collapse of major financial institutions in the United States, had begun to spread worldwide. Although Canada’s economy remained relatively stable compared to other nations, the economic slowdown raised concerns about job losses, investment declines, and potential recessions. Economic management became a central issue, with Harper presenting the Conservatives as the party best equipped to guide Canada through turbulent times.

Liberal Leadership and Internal Struggles: The Liberal Party had been struggling with internal leadership challenges since their defeat in the 2006 election. Stéphane Dion became Liberal leader in 2006 after defeating high-profile figures such as Michael Ignatieff and Bob Rae. Dion’s leadership, however, was widely seen as ineffective. His Green Shift plan, which proposed a carbon tax aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions while lowering income taxes, was central to his platform, but it failed to resonate with voters. The plan was criticized as being too complex and was effectively framed by the Conservatives as a "tax on everything." Dion faced criticism from within his party, with many members questioning his ability to unite and lead the Liberals in the face of a rising Conservative challenge.

NDP Momentum: The New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Jack Layton, was gaining momentum as the party sought to solidify its position as the progressive alternative to both the Liberals and Conservatives. Layton’s platform focused on issues like healthcare, job creation, and environmental sustainability, appealing to voters dissatisfied with the traditional parties. Layton’s leadership was seen as charismatic and capable of attracting support from urban voters and younger Canadians.

Bloc Québécois and Quebec's Dominance: In Quebec, the Bloc Québécois, led by Gilles Duceppe, continued to dominate federal politics. Although the issue of Quebec sovereignty had become less prominent, the Bloc remained the dominant party in the province by defending Quebec’s interests and focusing on issues like provincial autonomy, healthcare, and economic security. The Bloc’s primary competition in Quebec came from the Conservatives, who were attempting to make inroads in the province by emphasizing fiscal conservatism and provincial rights.

Green Party Rising Profile: The Green Party, under the leadership of Elizabeth May, was becoming a more prominent voice in national politics. May’s focus on climate change, environmental sustainability, and social justice resonated with a segment of the electorate increasingly concerned about environmental issues. Although the Greens had not yet won any seats in the House of Commons, May’s participation in the national leaders' debates helped raise the party’s profile during the 2008 election.

Party Leaders

Stephen Harper (Conservative Party): Harper, the incumbent Prime Minister, had been leading the Conservative Party since its formation in 2003. He had successfully moderated the party’s image, steering it away from its socially conservative roots to appeal to a broader electorate. His leadership focused on economic management, tax cuts, military strengthening, and law and order policies. However, Harper was often criticized for his centralized, controlling leadership style and for his government’s perceived lack of action on environmental issues.

Stéphane Dion (Liberal Party): Dion was a former environment minister under Jean Chrétien and had built his leadership campaign around environmental policy, particularly the Green Shift, a plan to reduce carbon emissions through a carbon tax while reducing income taxes. However, Dion’s leadership was marked by internal party divisions, and his Green Shift plan was widely criticized as being difficult to understand. Dion’s communication style, seen as somewhat academic and disconnected from average voters, further weakened his position.

Jack Layton (New Democratic Party): Layton, a charismatic former Toronto city councillor, had led the NDP since 2003 and had gradually increased the party’s support. Layton positioned the NDP as the party of working Canadians, focusing on healthcare, job creation, and social justice. His leadership was dynamic and energetic, and he effectively presented the NDP as a viable progressive alternative to both the Liberals and Conservatives.

Gilles Duceppe (Bloc Québécois): Duceppe had been leading the Bloc Québécois since 1997 and remained the dominant force in Quebec’s federal politics. While Quebec sovereignty was not a pressing issue in 2008, Duceppe positioned the Bloc as the party best suited to defend Quebec’s interests within the federal system. His campaign emphasized provincial autonomy, healthcare, and economic justice, appealing to Quebecers who felt alienated from the federalist parties.

Elizabeth May (Green Party): May was the first female leader of a national political party in Canada and had been leading the Greens since 2006. She brought attention to environmental issues, particularly climate change, and emphasized the need for sustainable development and social equity. May’s leadership raised the profile of the Green Party, and although the Greens had yet to win a seat in Parliament, her participation in the leaders' debates gave the party greater national visibility.

Issues of the Election

Several key issues defined the 2008 election, reflecting the concerns of voters about the economy, environmental policy, and government accountability:

The Economy: The global financial crisis dominated the election campaign. As Canada faced the prospect of an economic slowdown, voters were concerned about job security, government spending, and financial stability. Harper’s Conservatives focused on their record of fiscal responsibility, presenting themselves as the best party to manage the economy during uncertain times. The Liberals and NDP criticized Harper’s handling of the economy, arguing that more government action was needed to protect Canadian jobs and stimulate growth.

Environmental Policy and the Green Shift: The environment was a central issue in the 2008 election, particularly with Stéphane Dion’s Green Shift plan. The plan proposed a carbon tax to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, offset by reductions in income taxes. However, the Green Shift was widely seen as complicated and poorly communicated, and Harper effectively framed it as a “tax on everything.” The NDP and Greens also emphasized environmental sustainability, though the NDP focused on direct investments in green technology rather than a carbon tax. The Greens, under May, pushed for comprehensive action on climate change.

Healthcare: Healthcare remained a top concern for many Canadians. The NDP and Liberals both promised to strengthen public healthcare, reduce wait times, and increase funding for medical services. The Conservatives, while supportive of public healthcare, emphasized greater provincial autonomy in healthcare management, arguing that provinces should have more control over how healthcare funds were spent.

Government Accountability and Leadership: Harper’s leadership style and his government’s handling of Parliament were major issues. The opposition parties accused Harper of being overly partisan and secretive, particularly in his dealings with the media and Parliament. Harper countered by presenting himself as a steady, experienced leader who could navigate the challenges of a minority government and lead the country through the economic crisis.

Campaign Strategies

Conservative Party: Harper’s campaign focused on stability, economic management, and the need for continuity in government. He emphasized his government’s record on tax cuts, crime reduction, and military investment, while framing the Liberals as divided and unprepared to govern. Harper also worked to downplay more socially conservative positions, aiming to appeal to centrist voters in key battlegrounds like Ontario. The Conservatives targeted swing ridings, especially in suburban areas, where they believed they could win over disillusioned Liberal voters.

Liberal Party: Dion’s campaign revolved around the Green Shift, which he believed would be a transformative policy for Canada. However, the complexity of the plan and the effective attacks from the Conservatives, who labeled it a tax grab, undermined the Liberal campaign. Dion struggled to connect with voters, and his leadership was constantly questioned, even by members of his own party. The Liberals’ campaign was hampered by internal divisions and a lack of clear messaging on other key issues.

New Democratic Party: Layton’s campaign was energetic and focused on positioning the NDP as the party of working Canadians. Layton emphasized healthcare, job creation, and social justice, appealing to progressive voters who were frustrated with both the Liberals and Conservatives. Layton also targeted younger voters and urban constituencies, seeking to expand the NDP’s presence in key cities like Toronto and Vancouver.

Bloc Québécois: Duceppe’s Bloc Québécois ran a campaign centered on defending Quebec’s interests, particularly in the context of the economic crisis and concerns over federalism. The Bloc focused on provincial autonomy, healthcare, and protecting Quebec’s culture and language. Duceppe sought to maintain the Bloc’s dominance in Quebec by appealing to nationalist sentiments and positioning the Bloc as the only party that could truly represent Quebec’s interests in Ottawa.

Green Party: Elizabeth May’s campaign focused on environmental sustainability, climate change, and social equity. Although the Greens had not won any seats in previous elections, May’s leadership helped raise the party’s profile, and her participation in the national leaders' debates gave the Greens greater visibility. May positioned the Greens as the party fully committed to addressing the climate crisis and called for bold action on environmental issues.

Election Day and Results

On election day, October 14, 2008, the results were as follows:

Conservative Party: The Conservatives won 143 seats, an increase from the 124 seats they held before the election. While Harper’s Conservatives did not achieve a majority, they strengthened their position in Parliament, particularly in Ontario and Western Canada. The Conservatives benefited from voter concerns over the economy and Harper’s portrayal as a steady, experienced leader.

Liberal Party: The Liberals won 77 seats, a significant decline from the 103 seats they held before the election. Dion’s Green Shift plan and weak leadership were seen as major factors in the party’s poor performance. The Liberals lost key ridings in Ontario and Quebec, and Dion faced growing pressure to resign as leader.

Bloc Québécois: The Bloc won 49 seats, a slight decrease from the 51 seats they held before the election. While the Bloc remained the dominant party in Quebec, its support was beginning to erode as voters focused more on economic issues than on sovereignty.

New Democratic Party: The NDP won 37 seats, an increase from the 29 seats they held before the election. Layton’s energetic campaign and focus on progressive issues helped the NDP gain support in urban areas, particularly in Ontario and British Columbia. The NDP’s growing presence in Parliament signaled its emergence as a stronger political force.

Green Party: Despite increased visibility and participation in the leaders' debates, the Green Party did not win any seats in the election. However, Elizabeth May’s leadership helped raise the profile of the Greens, and the party garnered nearly 7% of the popular vote, its highest ever at the time.

Aftermath

The 2008 election resulted in another Conservative minority government, with Stephen Harper remaining as Prime Minister. Harper’s strengthened position allowed the Conservatives to govern more confidently, though they still lacked the majority needed to pass legislation without opposition support. Harper’s focus on economic management and government stability had resonated with voters during the financial crisis, but his inability to secure a majority reflected ongoing concerns about his leadership style and the Conservative Party’s approach to social issues.

For the Liberal Party, the election was a major defeat. Stéphane Dion’s leadership was widely seen as a liability, and internal pressure mounted for him to step down. Shortly after the election, Dion announced his resignation as leader, setting the stage for a new leadership race. Michael Ignatieff would eventually succeed Dion, but the Liberals remained in a weakened position.

The NDP, under Jack Layton, continued to grow in strength, with their seat count increasing and their presence in Parliament solidified. Layton’s leadership was seen as dynamic and effective, and the NDP positioned itself as a strong progressive voice in Canadian politics.

The Bloc Québécois remained the dominant party in Quebec, but its slight loss of seats signaled a shift in Quebec’s political landscape, with economic concerns beginning to overshadow sovereignty as the primary issue for many voters.

The Green Party, despite failing to win any seats, emerged from the election with greater visibility and a stronger voice in national debates. Elizabeth May’s leadership had helped the Greens reach new heights in terms of popular support, and the party’s environmental message continued to resonate with a growing segment of the electorate.

The 2008 election set the stage for continued political uncertainty in Canada, with a Conservative minority government facing economic challenges and an increasingly fractured opposition.

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Stephen Harper - Conservatives

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Stephane Dion - Liberal

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Jack Layton - NDP

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Gilles Duceppe - Bloc

Election
Party
Elected Members # of Candidates % of Popular Vote % of Seats
2000 (November 27)  - Official Turnout: 61.2 %   Actual Turnout: 64.1% -
Conservative Party 124 301 36.3 % 57.1 %
Liberal  103 298 30.2 % 21.9 %
Bloc Québécois  51 75 10.5 % 12.6 %
New Democratic Party  29 298 17.5 % 4.3 %
Independent  1 545 2.3 % 0.0 %
Total 301 1,808    
Government--124, Opposition--204, Minority

Cite Article : Reference: www.canadahistory.com/sections/documents/documents.html

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