Of course there is little mention of it in the American media. You have probably been following Obama and McCain's campaigns without noticing political events beyond your country (even just North of the border). If this is indeed the case, or if you have a vague conception of current events in Canada, here is a brief description of the primary candidates in today's election:

Stephen Harper of the Conservative party

-Current Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper must defend his position by convincing Canadians that he has been fiscally responsible, and that his policies should be supported throughout the economic crisis. He insists that Canada "stay the course", drawing parallels to President Bush.
-Supports tax cuts, and is responsible for substantial corporate tax reductions.
-His party promotes the gradual transfer of health care provision from the public sector to private clinics.
-Ensures that the government is spending within its means, eliminating some services and allocating funds to the most effective programs.
-Wishes to end public funding for the arts (Canadians take the arts seriously).

Stéphane Dion of the Liberal party

-Primary opposition to Stephen Harper, the Liberals are a centrist party that attempts to balance business interests with public interests.
-Supports modest increases in spending for public services.
-Is introducing a "green shift" plan intended to reduce green house gas emissions by imposing a new carbon tax. Included in the plan are small tax cuts for average Canadians.
-Promises more government transparency and accountability than the Conservatives.


Jack Layton of the New Democratic Party (NDP)

-The New Democrats are Canada's third primary party. It is a socially democratic party, occupying a centre-left position on various issues. The party is so leftist, I imagine, that it would not be considered electable in the United States.
-Jack Layton will significantly increase funding for public education, health care, and social services.
-Is the only candidate to oppose corporate tax cuts.
-The NDP created Canada's universal health care system, and Jack Layton feels that only his party can improve it.
-Criticizes the Liberal party on the basis that its policies are too similar to the Conservatives.



The Conservatives will likely win again, however they may not gain the parliamentary majority they are hoping for. If the Liberals receive enough votes, the Conservatives will once again be required to share power and compromise with the other parties.

Stay tuned for the results.

Ou se trouve les Quebecoise?

I know I'm going to sound like an ignorant American here, but how does the Queen affect your elections?  I know Canada is a Common Wealth state, but what direct influence in present?  to what degree?

Don't you feel like Canada is a bit past British oversight?

Well, another Conservative minority government was elected, as expected.

I'm satisfied that the NDP received more seats this time however.

Thanks guys for the thread. I was really interested to read it. 


In a lot of ways, Canada has the same type of government system as Australia, both monarchy's etc.

But, I am trying to get my head around the political status of your parties. I know this is simplistic, but on a scale of 0 to 10(where 0 = communism) where would the 3 parties be at. Eg a really right party might be at 7 and a really left party be at 3. I am trying to compare your Liberal party to ours and also to compare Harper to other leaders.

I would think that your parties would have more strains of social politics policy than other countries? Canada has always struck me as a compassionate country. Not saying that is good or bad, just making an observation from afar.