Unite the Right (Canada): Difference between revisions

Revision as of 22:21, 31 August 2005

Revision as of 22:25, 31 August 2005

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==Aftermath==

Months later, Liberal Prime Minister Paul Martin called for a general election. However in the interim between the formation of the new party and the selection of its new leader, investigations into the [[sponsorhipSponsorhip scandal]] had knocked some wind out of the Liberal Party's political sales, resulting in the election being backed up to late June as opposed to early April. This allowed the Conservatives to be more prepared for the race, unlike the 2000 election. For the first time since the [[Canadian federal election, 1988|1988 election]], the Liberal Party would have to deal with a united conservative opposition.

Contrary to many predictions, the Conservatives ran a well-run and unified campaign, unlike the Liberals who faltered badly until the last two weeks. Polls quickly indicated an increase in support for the new Conservative Party and by all pollster indications by mid-campaign, it seemed as if Harper was on the verge of becoming Prime Minister of a minority government. But even at their highest level of support the Tories were still some percentage points off the combined total of the two separate right-wing parties that had run in the last election. A number of prominent ex-Tories also chose to support the Liberals. These included MPs [[Scott Brison]], [[Keith Martin]] and [[John Herron]] who [[crossing the floor|crossed the floor]] to the Liberals. Lukewarm endorsements of Liberal Party candidates at the onset of the campaign were extended by former Tory MPs [[Joe Clark]], [[André Bachand]], [[Rick Borotsik]], and former federal PC Party President [[Bruck Easton]].

Harper's new Conservatives emerged from the election with a larger parliamentary Caucus of 99 MPs. [[Chuck Cadman]], a CA MP who failed to win the Conservative Party noimination in his riding, was re-elected as an indpendent. The Liberals were reduced to a thin minority government, relegating the governing party to obtaining support from at least two of the three Opposition parties to pass legislation.

==See also==