Ideologies in Canadian political parties

1. Ideologies in Canadian political parties

2. What’s a political party? • In Canada, a political party is an organization that seeks to control the government by being elected to power • The party’s ideology keeps its organization intact and attracts voters

3. Major political parties in Canada • Progressive Conservative Party • Liberal Party • Modern Third Parties (NDP)

4. Progressive Conservative party • Originated before Confederation and gave Canada its first prime minister, John A. Macdonald • At that time, it favoured high tariffs, assistance to big businesses and a strong British presence in Canada • In the late 19th century, the CP devised a National Policy that protected Canadian industry, supported railway construction and etc

5. French Canada • The Conservative Party’s championing of British traditions hurt its fortunes in French Canada • The hanging of French-speaking Métis leader, Louis Riel for treason, and the imposition of conscription during WW1 • In the late 1900s following the term of Brian Mulroney (1984-1993) the party collapsed because it could not maintain a strong foundation in Quebec

6. “Progressive” • The adopted the adjective “progressive” in 1942 in an attempt to present a reformist image • Right to the liberal (slightly) • For the most part, the Progressive Conservatives supported the social welfare and human rights measures introduced by the Liberals • John Diefenbaker introduced Canada’s first Bill of Rights in 1960 • 1988 apology and compensation offered to Japanese Canadians

7. Merging of parties • In December 2003, members of the PCP voted to merge with the Canadian Alliance Party to create the Conservative Party of Canada • This was precipitated by the declining electoral fortunes of the Progressive Conservatives in the 1993, 1997, and 2000 federal elections

8. Canadian alliance party