The 2011 Canadian Election!

   Well, my predictions were right about the NDP becoming the opposition party, the Liberals coming in 3rd, and the decimation of the Bloc Québécois! However, I was expecting a minority government for the Conservatives. It was a pleasant surprise to hear that the Conservatives finally have a strong majority government!

   It was also good to hear about Ignatieff's resignation, following the worst election for the Liberal party in Canadian history. I'm sure the Liberals will be able to recover in time for the next election - they've been around since Confederation and aren't about to be snuffed out now. But the big question now is: Who will be the new leader of the Liberal party?

   The New Democratic Party started a new era in Canadian politics with Jack Layton's outstanding victory! I'm sure they will at least make Canadian elections more interesting. Unfortunately, in the meantime they will have to bow down to Quebec's demands, since they won most of their seats in that province.

   What does the decline of the Bloc Québécois mean for Canada? Well, hopefully it will severely and permanently weaken the Quebec sovereignty movement. The Bloc has lost almost all of its power in Parliament, which can only mean that Canada as a nation will be stronger and more unified.
   Elizabeth May made history and became the first Green Party candidate to be elected into Canada's Parliament. Despite making history, she is only a caucus of one, and I don't expect her to have much influence in our government. The Bloc Québécois, which lost most of its power, still has four times more seats than the Green Party!
   Last but definitely not least, I think the Conservative Party will be able to make Canada a better nation now that they are freed from the quibbling, appeasement, and instability of a minority government.

Seats:

Conservatives - 167   (up 21)
NDP - 102                 (up 66!)
Liberals - 34              (down 43)
Bloc Québécois - 4    (down 44)
Green - 1                   (up 1)
Other - 0                    (down 1)

For further information see the Elections Canada results.

Vote!

☒ Tomorrow, if you are a Canadian Citizen over 18, vote!

Stay informed about the election:

Conservative Party

Liberal Party

New Democratic Party (NDP)

Bloc Québécois

Green Party

Christian Heritage Party (CHP)

Other Parties
If there are any independent candidates in your riding, I'd like to encourage you to learn about their platforms as well :)

Elections Canada

50 Ridings To Watch - The Globe and Mail

Poll Tracker - CBC

Canada Votes - CBC

My Predictions for the Election

Here's what I think will happen in this year's federal election:

The Conservatives will get another minority government. Despite Harper's calls for a strong majority government, the party doesn't seem to have increased in support since the last election. The NDP will probably snag enough seats to keep the Conservatives with a minority.

The NDP will form the official opposition! They're on a roll - especially in Quebec - because of Jack Layton. I've always said that Layton was a good leader (and he has a cool mustache).

The Liberals will be reduced to a mere 3rd place. It's time for a new party leader!

The Bloc Quebecois has lost support in the polls and will hopefully lose lots of seats in Parliament.

The Green Party will again not get into Parliament... well, Elizabeth May might be able to win her riding. But probably not.