Canadian political parties

When was the last time you showed up for a major election??? There are more than 2 parties in the US. How about the Libertarians, Socialists, Green Party, Independants? I know there are more - I just can't think of them right now. They just don't get the support. The last minor party that had ANY chance at all was John Anderson (was that his 1st name?) or was it Ross Perot?

I think what he was referring to was the fact that Canada has more than 2 parties that have greater than 10 percent of the population supporting them.

If you think any party has a shot other then democrat or republican for the white house your nuts. Perot was the only guy who had a shot and he blew it. There are of course a few surprises here and there like Jesse Ventura but the parties ran him out as fast as possible. My question was dirceted at the Canadians and their form of goverment

Frozen Banana Republic with Sovit Style health care.

Our situation isn't all that different from yours in terms of political parties, except a couple of the "fringe" parties (New Democrats and Bloc Quebecois) actually win seats in Parliament. But neither of them will ever have a legitimate shot at forming a government, so we're basically down to two choices - a red one and a blue one - just like you. Our true fringe parties, like the Greens, and the marijuana party (no, I'm not kidding) are there every election, but they never have an honest hope of winning a seat.

Hey, leave my nuts out of this! If you read my post, I didn't say anything about any other party having any chance in Hell. I think Wallace was the last one to get over 10% of the vote. However, look at what happened with Ventura. He was a former wrestler who ran as an Independant, and WON. I don't see that happening nationally, but...

Bigfoot wrote:

However, look at what happened with Ventura. He was a former wrestler who ran as an Independant, and WON. I don't see that happening nationally, but...

And if you asked anyone from Minnesota if that was a good idea they'd probably say no or deny that he was ever their govenor.

Pete wrote:

Our situation isn't all that different from yours in terms of political parties, except a couple of the "fringe" parties (New Democrats and Bloc Quebecois) actually win seats in Parliament. But neither of them will ever have a legitimate shot at forming a government, so we're basically down to two choices - a red one and a blue one - just like you.

I think you are oversimplifying a little bit. The NDP and the Bloc have very significant provincial representation. The Bloc can very easily govern Quebec provincially and Quebec has a lot of voters (and a lot of constitutional power). The NDP has formed provincial governments in many of Canada's provinces, including its largest (by population) - Ontario. Further, the Bloc and the NDP can exert a lot of pressure federally in a minority government. I would say that although neither the NDP or the Bloc will win federally in the conceivable future, Canada does not exist in only a "two choice" political realm.

Agree with the last post. fringe party comment was weak

First post obviously referring to yesterday's non-confidence vote in the house of commons. Conservatives intro'd a motion and ndp, bloc voted for it making prime minister paul martin ask the governor general to dissolve the parliament and call for an election.

roughly:

Liberals -now control 135 of 308 seats

conservatives- 98

bloc-54

ndp -18

ind-3

The election, supposedly sometime in jan will likely keep things looking the same. hoping the ndp could get more seats, as they'll get 20% of the vote and 7% of the seats. The Libs in contrast get 30% of the vote and 50% of the seats. saw fox news website yesterday and said the governing libs were 'leftish' hilarious-coverage that media is!!

The libs ARE leftist if you live in a country that is run by a party that is the equivalent CHP.

A Canadian Newspaper Had Some Poll Results Today:

Do Canadians Want Change? Yes

Which Party would spend your tax money the best? Conservatives (not in power)

What Party has a Hidden Agenda? Liberals (current)

What party would you vote for today? Liberals.

Gee, I'm so glad Canadians make so much sense.

Senseless wrote:

A Canadian Newspaper Had Some Poll Results Today:

Do Canadians Want Change? Yes

Which Party would spend your tax money the best? Conservatives (not in power)

What Party has a Hidden Agenda? Liberals (current)

What party would you vote for today? Liberals.

Gee, I'm so glad Canadians make so much sense.

That's what makes them Canadians...f'n retards.

old and grouchy wrote:I think you are oversimplifying a little bit.

Duh... d'ya think?

Perhaps I took a little license making my point, but as long as I live, neither the NDP nor the Bloc (or some other new emerging party - remember we get these every now and then, and a couple - CCP and Reform - although both now dead, made credible gains, but never governed) will form a federal government, IMHO.

Is your name really Rik Emmit, or is this just a (failed -check the spelling) homage to a member of one of Canada's most rocking bands. And if so, why so mean - jealous?

Canada used to have this party called the Rhinoceros Party... they were going to make Canada into a banana republic, and have people move the Rockies east as a make work project. They made the other parties look stupid cause they actually got lots of votes. it was kind of like the FSM but not a church.

but they were censored out of the political scence by evil politicians.

This is a bit off-topic, but since real live Canadians might be reading, I wonder what you Canadians think of the question period, when the PM has to answer questions from parliament directly, unassisted by a Scott McClellan, if i have characterized the practice correctly.

Is it good entertainment? Should we in the US press for a constitutional amendment requiring same of the President, or should we be glad we don't have a questions period?

Rik Emmit wrote:

That's what makes them Canadians...f'n retards.

if canadians are f'n retards, then what does that make u.s. citizens?

p.s. you like little boys bums

Why doesn't America take over Canada? Because Canada already is part of America. Most Canadians already know more about American history then they know about Canadian history. Also Canadians' favourite song by a Canadian band is the "American Woman".

On behalf of all Americans, I apologize to Canada for the incredibly stupid remarks above.