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2.3Percentage Point>pp)| image_size = x160pxImage =Stephen Harper by Remy Steinegger Infobox.jpgcWidth = 120oTop = 0|oLeft = 0}}CAnohash}}| leader1 = Stephen Harper2004 Conservative Party of Canada leadership election>March 20, 2004CAname}}| leaders_seat1 = Calgary Southwest| last_election1 = 143 seats, 37.65%| seats_before1 = 143| seats1 = 166| seat_change1 = {{increase}}23| popular_vote1 = 5,832,401| percentage1 = 39.62%Percentage Point>ppImage =Jack Layton-cr bl (cropped).jpgcWidth = 120oTop = 0|oLeft = 0}}CAnohash}}| leader2 = Jack LaytonCAname}}2003 New Democratic Party leadership election>January 25, 2003Toronto—Danforth (federal electoral district)>Toronto—Danforth| last_election2 = 37 seats, 18.18%| seats_before2 = 36| seats2 = 103| seat_change2 = {{increase}}67| popular_vote2 = 4,508,474| percentage2 = 30.63%percentage points>ppImage =Victoria, BC Liberal Town Hall Forum public libéral.jpgcWidth = 120oTop = 0|oLeft = 0}}CAnohash}}| leader3 = Michael IgnatieffCAname}}2009 Liberal Party of Canada leadership election>May 2, 2009Etobicoke—Lakeshore (federal electoral district)>Etobicoke—Lakeshore (lost re-election)| last_election3 = 77 seats, 26.26%| seats_before3 = 77| seats3 = 34| seat_change3 = {{decrease}}43| popular_vote3 = 2,783,175| percentage3 = 18.91%percentage points>pp| image4 = Gilles Duceppe 2011-04-01 (cropped).jpgCAnohash}}| leader4 = Gilles DuceppeCAname}}1997 Bloc Québécois leadership election>March 15, 1997| leaders_seat4 = Laurier—Sainte-Marie (lost re-election)| last_election4 = 49 seats, 9.98%| seats_before4 = 47| seats4 = 4| seat_change4 = {{decrease}}43| popular_vote4 = 889,788| percentage4 = 6.04%percentage points>ppImage =Elizabeth May 2a.jpgcWidth = 120oTop = 0|oLeft = 0}}CAnohash}}| leader5 = Elizabeth MayCAname}}2006 Green Party of Canada leadership election>August 27, 2006| leaders_seat5 = Saanich—Gulf Islands| last_election5 = 0 seats, 6.78%| seats_before5 = 0| seats5 = 1| seat_change5 = {{increase}}1| popular_vote5 = 576,221| percentage5 = 3.91%percentage points>pp| map = {{Switcher400px)Electoral district (Canada)>riding400px)Canadian provinces and territories>province and territory}}| title = Prime Minister| before_election = Stephen HarperCAname}}| posttitle = Prime Minister after election| after_election = Stephen HarperCAname}}}}The 2011 Canadian federal election was held on May 2, 2011, to elect members to the House of Commons of Canada of the 41st Canadian Parliament.The writs of election for the 2011 election were issued by Governor General David Johnston on March 26. Prime Minister Stephen Harper advised the Governor General to dissolve parliament after the House of Commons passed a motion of non-confidence against the government, finding it to be in contempt of Parliament. A few days before, the three opposition parties had rejected the minority government's proposed budget.WEB, Wells, Paul,weblink The untold story of the 2011 election: Chapter 2, Maclean's, May 5, 2011, March 19, 2012, April 23, 2012,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20120423195236weblink">weblink live, The Conservative Party remained in power, increasing its seat count from a minority to a majority government, marking the first time since 1988 that a right-of-centre party formed a majority government. The Liberal Party, sometimes dubbed the "natural governing party", was reduced to third party status for the first time as they won the fewest seats in its history, and party leader Michael Ignatieff was defeated in his riding. The Bloc Québécois lost official party status for the first time since contesting general elections in 1993. Party leader Gilles Duceppe was defeated in his riding and subsequently resigned as leader. The New Democratic Party led by Jack Layton won the largest number of seats in its history, enabling it to form the Official Opposition for the first time in the party's history, as they made a major breakthrough in Quebec. The Green Party elected its first member to the House of Commons with its leader, Elizabeth May, becoming MP for Saanich—Gulf Islands.

Background

The 2008 federal election resulted in the continuation of the incumbent Conservative minority government, headed by Stephen Harper. The 40th Parliament was marked by two controversial prorogations: the first in December 2008 which ended an attempted opposition coalition, and the second a year following, which prompted public protests. Following the first prorogation, Michael Ignatieff and the Liberal Party provided support for the government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper. On August 31, 2009, the Liberals withdrew their backing but the NDP under Jack Layton abstained and the Conservatives survived the confidence motion.NEWS,weblink David, Ljunggren, Canada's government survives non-confidence motion, Reuters Canada, October 1, 2009, November 29, 2019, August 13, 2019,weblink live, Ignatieff's attempt to force a September 2009 election was reported as a miscalculation, as polls showed that most Canadians did not want another election.WEB, Despite Election Rhetoric, Seven in Ten (68%) Canadians Say There's 'No Need for an Election', Majority (51%) Says County Heading in 'Right Direction', Minority (41%) 'Wrong', Ipsos,weblink Ipsos Market Research, December 18, 2011, June 6, 2009, December 15, 2011,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20111215065705weblink">weblink dead, NEWS, Time to make minority work,weblink The Star, December 17, 2011, September 16, 2009, September 24, 2009,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20090924005827weblink">weblink live, Ignatieff's popularity as well as that of the Liberals dropped off considerably immediately afterwards.NEWS,weblink Ignatieff closing in on Dion territory, National Post, November 14, 2009, {{dead link|date=March 2012}}In 2011, Elections Canada laid charges against the Conservative Party, alleging contraventions of the Canada Elections Act five years earlier.PRESS RELEASE,weblink Canada Elections Act Charges Laid, Elections Canada, April 27, 2011, February 25, 2011, June 11, 2019,weblink live, NEWS, Akin, David,weblink PM shrugs off charges against Tories, Lfpress.com, February 25, 2011, April 17, 2011, February 27, 2011,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110227152323weblink">weblink live, NEWS, Bruce, Cheadle,weblink Tory election allegations 'illegal' not administrative, prosecutor says, The Globe and Mail, Canada, February 28, 2011, April 17, 2011, March 4, 2011,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110304223220weblink">weblink live, This issue, along with the Bloc Québécois announcing its intention to vote against the budget, unless it contained numerous changes including $2 billion in compensation to Quebec for harmonizing PST and GST and funding for a new NHL arena in Quebec City, increased the speculation that there would be an election called soon as the Conservatives rejected the Bloc demands as "blackmail".NEWS,weblink Bloc threatens to vote against budget, Maclean's, January 12, 2011, April 18, 2011, January 22, 2011,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110122095833weblink">weblink live, On March 9, 2011, Speaker of the House of Commons Peter Milliken ruled that Bev Oda, a minister of the Crown, and, separately, the Cabinet itself could both possibly be in contempt of parliament,NEWS, PM on rulings: 'win some, lose some', Laura, Payton,weblink CBC News, March 9, 2011, March 26, 2011, March 23, 2013,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20130323212231weblink">weblink live, the latter for its ongoing refusal to meet opposition requests for details of proposed bills and their cost estimates.NEWS,weblink MPs' report finds government in contempt, March 21, 2011, CBC News, March 24, 2011, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110324122405weblink">weblink March 24, 2011, Milliken directed both matters to committee and set as the deadline for its report March 21, 2011, one day before the budget was to be tabled. The committee found the government to be in contempt of Parliament.WEB,weblink Question of Privilege Relating to the Failure of the Government To Fully Provide the Documents as Ordered by the House: Report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, April 26, 2011, March 2011,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160125170006weblink">weblink 25 January 2016, dead, The vote divided along party lines, with the governing but minority Conservative members of Parliament (MPs) opposing the finding and issuing a dissenting report. After the committee released its findings, opposition leader and head of the Liberal Party Michael Ignatieff proposed a motion of no confidence against the Crown-in-Council and,BOOK, 40th Parliament, 3rd Session, Friday, March 25, 2011, Parlement of Canada,weblink Government of Canada, May 1, 2011, March 25, 2011, April 2, 2011,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110402084008weblink">weblink live, NEWS, Stephanie, Levitz, Martin, O'Hanlon, The Canadian Press,weblink Harper government set to fall Friday, setting stage for vote in early May, Global News, March 23, 2011, April 13, 2011, August 22, 2019,weblink dead, on March 25, 2011, the House of Commons voted on the motion, the majority agreeing, by a margin of 156 to 145, with the committee's conclusions.NEWS,weblinkweblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110727124820weblink">weblink live, July 27, 2011, Harper government topples on contempt motion, triggering May election, Bruce, Cheadle, March 25, 2011, The Canadian Press; CTV news, March 25, 2011, NEWS, Walkom: Yes, contempt of Parliament does matter, Thomas, Walkom,weblink Toronto Star, March 25, 2011, March 25, 2011, August 28, 2011,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110828113544weblink">weblink live, NEWS, Gardner, Dan,weblink Gardner: Are we going to reward contempt of Parliament?, Ottawa Citizen, April 8, 2011, April 27, 2011, May 7, 2011,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110507041344weblink">weblink live, A cabinet being found in contempt of parliament was without precedent in Canada or any other Commonwealth country. Earlier that week, all three opposition parties had indicated that they would oppose the government's budget; the NDP said that the concessions that the Conservatives made did not go far enough.

Campaign slogans

The parties' campaign slogans for the 2011 election:{{citation needed|date = May 2014}}

• Bloc Québécois: "Parlons Québec" (Let's talk about Quebec)
• Conservative Party: "Here For Canada / Ici pour le Canada". In francophone Quebec, Harper ran under the slogan "Notre région au pouvoir" (Our Region in Power).NEWS,weblink Here in Canada except in Quebec, CBC News, Canada, April 8, 2011, April 8, 2011, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110412015840weblink">weblink April 12, 2011, Fitz-Morris, James,
• Green Party: "It's Time" & "Canada needs Elizabeth May but only you can elect her"
• Liberal Party: "Rise Up Canada" & "Change we need, from a proven team." The first one refers to Harper's contempt charge. The second one was used after the NDP's surge in the opinion polls, making reference to the fact that it has never formed a federal government.
• New Democratic Party: "Working For Families / Travaillons ensemble", "You have a choice", and "That's Canadian Leadership"

Timeline

{| class="wikitable"Prime Minister of Canada>Prime Minister moves for the House to adjourn.GALLOWAY>FIRST=GLORIAURL=HTTPS://WWW.THEGLOBEANDMAIL.COM/NEWS/POLITICS/HARPER-GOVERNMENT-FALLS-IN-HISTORIC-COMMONS-SHOWDOWN/ARTICLE1956416/NEWSPAPER=THE GLOBE AND MAILARCHIVE-DATE=MARCH 27, 2011URL-STATUS=DEAD, Governor General of Canada>Governor General David Johnston agrees to dissolve the 40th Canadian Parliament following a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper.CHASETITLE=FEDERAL ELECTION CALLED FOR MAY 2ACCESS-DATE=MARCH 30, 2011DATE=MARCH 26, 2011ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20110812161614/HTTP://WWW.THEGLOBEANDMAIL.COM/NEWS/POLITICS/FEDERAL-ELECTION-CALLED-FOR-MAY-2/ARTICLE1957991/, dead, |English leaders' debate.|French leaders' debate.PUBLISHER=ELECTIONS CANADA ACCESS-DATE=APRIL 29, 2011 ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20201112040905/HTTPS://WWW.ELECTIONS.CA/CONTENT.ASPX?SECTION=VOT&DIR=FAQ&DOCUMENT=FAQVOTING&LANG=E#A1, live, May 2, 2011>|Polling DayReturn of WritsHTTP://WWW.GAZETTE.GC.CA/RP-PR/P2/2011/2011-03-28-X1/HTML/SI-TR33-ENG.HTML DATE=MARCH 28, 2011 VOLUME=145 ACCESS-DATE=MARCH 28, 2011 ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20110914075424/HTTP://GAZETTE.GC.CA/RP-PR/P2/2011/2011-03-28-X1/HTML/SI-TR33-ENG.HTML, live, 41st Canadian Parliament>41st Parliament convenesHTTPS://OTTAWACITIZEN.COM/RETURN+PARLIAMENT+HILL+JUNE/4792075/STORY.HTML >TITLE=MPS TO RETURN TO PARLIAMENT HILL ON JUNE 2 WORK=OTTAWA CITIZEN ARCHIVE-DATE=OCTOBER 19, 2012 URL-STATUS=LIVE, ">

Issues{| class"wikitable"

!Category!!Issue!!Details valign="top"Crime and law enforcementInternet surveillance and warrant-less wiretappingThe Conservatives promised to re-introduce Internet surveillance legislation that they were not able to pass, and bundle it with the rest of their crime bills. They said they plan to fast track the legislation within 100 days after taking office.HTTP://WWW.TECHEYE.NET/SECURITY/CANADIAN-CONSERVATIVES-PROMISE-BIG-BROTHER-LAWS >TITLE=CANADIAN CONSERVATIVES PROMISE "BIG BROTHER LAWS" – AT LEAST THEY ARE HONEST LAST1=FARRELL DATE=APRIL 11, 2011 ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20110417030205/HTTP://WWW.TECHEYE.NET/SECURITY/CANADIAN-CONSERVATIVES-PROMISE-BIG-BROTHER-LAWS URL-STATUS=DEAD, HTTP://WWW.MICHAELGEIST.CA/CONTENT/VIEW/5733/125/ >TITLE=MICHAEL GEIST – THE CONSERVATIVES COMMITMENT TO INTERNET SURVEILLANCE LAST1=GEIST DATE=APRIL 9, 2011 ARCHIVE-DATE=APRIL 17, 2011 URL-STATUS=DEAD, HTTP://WWW.CBC.CA/TECHNOLOGY/STORY/2009/06/19/TECH-INTERNET-COMMUNICATIONS-ELECTRONIC-POLICE-BILLS-SURVEILLANCE-FOLLO-PRIVACY.HTML > WORK=CBC NEWS DATE=JUNE 19, 2009 LAST1=CHUNG ARCHIVE-DATE=DECEMBER 2, 2010 URL-STATUS=LIVE, HTTP://WWW.DIGITALJOURNAL.COM/ARTICLE/274527 >TITLE=NEW CANADIAN LEGISLATION WILL GIVE POLICE GREATER POWERS FIRST1=STEPHANIE DATE=JUNE 21, 2009 ARCHIVE-DATE=APRIL 17, 2011 URL-STATUS=DEAD, HTTP://WWW.CBC.CA/NEWS/CANADA/STORY/2009/06/18/TECH-INTERNET-POLICE-BILL-INTERCEPT-ELECTRONIC-COMMUNICATIONS.HTML > WORK=CBC NEWS DATE=JUNE 18, 2009 ARCHIVE-DATE=APRIL 17, 2011 URL-STATUS=LIVE, MATT>LAST1=HARTLEYLAST2=EL AKKADTITLE=TORIES SEEK TO WIDEN POLICE ACCESS ONLINEDATE=JUNE 18, 2009ARCHIVE-DATE=FEBRUARY 13, 2011URL-STATUS=DEAD, METZ >FIRST1=CADE URL=HTTPS://WWW.THEREGISTER.CO.UK/2009/06/18/CANADA_ISP_INTERCEPT_BILLS/ THE REGISTER >DATE=JUNE 18, 2009 ARCHIVE-DATE=AUGUST 10, 2017, BROWN >FIRST=JESSE TITLE=HARPER'S PROMISE: A WARRANTLESS ONLINE SURVEILLANCE STATE- WHY 'LAWFUL ACCESS' LEGISLATION IS ON ITS WAY AND WHY THAT SHOULD WORRY YOU MACLEAN'S >DATE=APRIL 13, 2011 ARCHIVE-DATE=APRIL 17, 2011 URL-STATUS=LIVE, {{Overcited|date=September 2023}} valign="top"long-gun Canadian Firearms Registry>registry.JOE FRIESEN AND JOHN IBBITSON>TITLE=HARPER COURTS RURAL RIDINGS WITH VOW TO KILL GUN REGISTRYACCESS-DATE=APRIL 4, 2011DATE=APRIL 4, 2011ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20110408070000/HTTP://WWW.THEGLOBEANDMAIL.COM/NEWS/POLITICS/HARPER-COURTS-RURAL-RIDINGS-WITH-VOW-TO-KILL-GUN-REGISTRY/ARTICLE1970912/?FROM=SEC368, dead, valign="top"WORK=NATIONAL POST ACCESS-DATE=APRIL 26, 2011 ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20210807185725/HTTPS://NATIONALPOST.COM/CATEGORY/NEWS/ PUBLISHER=GLOBAL NEWS ACCESS-DATE=MAY 1, 2011 ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20110417050907/HTTP://WWW.GLOBALNEWS.CA/DECISIONCANADA/DEBATE/INDEX.HTML prison system. The other parties state that more focus should be given on crime prevention, so that it doesn't happen in the first place. The New Democratic Party (NDP) stated that their promise to hire 2,500 more police officers to patrol the streets, will help in preventing crime from occurring in the first place.HTTPS://VANCOUVERSUN.COM/NEWS/UNVEILS+PLAN+STAMP+GANG+VIOLENCE+DURING+SURREY+STOP/4580143/STORY.HTML WORK=THE VANCOUVER SUN ACCESS-DATE=APRIL 18, 2011, {{Dead linkbot=InternetArchiveBot URL=HTTPS://WWW.THEGLOBEANDMAIL.COM/NEWS/POLITICS/OTTAWA-NOTEBOOK/NDP-PLEDGE-AIMS-TO-STAMP-OUT-GANG-RELATED-CRIME-AT-ITS-SOURCE/ARTICLE1974770/ WORK=THE GLOBE AND MAIL ACCESS-DATE=APRIL 18, 2011 ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20110414112439/HTTP://WWW.THEGLOBEANDMAIL.COM/NEWS/POLITICS/OTTAWA-NOTEBOOK/NDP-PLEDGE-AIMS-TO-STAMP-OUT-GANG-RELATED-CRIME-AT-ITS-SOURCE/ARTICLE1974770/ PUBLISHER=CKNW.COM ACCESS-DATE=APRIL 18, 2011 ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20110926233144/HTTP://WWW.CKNW.COM/CHANNELS/REG/NEWSLOCAL/STORY.ASPX?ID=1398353 URL=HTTP://WWW.TORONTOSUN.COM/NEWS/DECISION2011/2011/04/07/17905161.HTML NEWSPAPER=TORONTO SUN ACCESS-DATE=APRIL 18, 2011 ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20121002172806/HTTP://WWW.TORONTOSUN.COM/NEWS/DECISION2011/2011/04/07/17905161.HTML, live, valign="top"Defence policyThe Conservatives plan to purchase 65 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Canadian procurement jet fighters. Stating that "Our defence policy is broken", the NDP announced that they would prioritize investment in naval ships over new fighter jets. The NDP stated that this would be a good opportunity to keep shipbuilding expertise and jobs in Canada.HTTP://WWW.CBC.CA/NEWS/CANADA/NOVA-SCOTIA/STORY/2011/04/08/CV-ELECTION-NDP-ESQUIMALT.HTML TITLE=NDP PRIORITIZES SHIPS OVER JETS ACCESS-DATE=APRIL 10, 2011 ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20110409171415/HTTP://WWW.CBC.CA/NEWS/CANADA/NOVA-SCOTIA/STORY/2011/04/08/CV-ELECTION-NDP-ESQUIMALT.HTML URL=HTTP://WWW.TORONTOSUN.COM/NEWS/DECISION2011/2011/04/08/17922626.HTML NEWSPAPER=TORONTO SUN ACCESS-DATE=APRIL 18, 2011 ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20110409161430/HTTP://WWW.TORONTOSUN.COM/NEWS/DECISION2011/2011/04/08/17922626.HTML URL=HTTPS://WWW.THEGLOBEANDMAIL.COM/NEWS/POLITICS/OTTAWA-NOTEBOOK/LAYTON-PANS-TORY-DEFENCE-PLAN-UNVEILS-MADE-IN-CANADA-ALTERNATIVE/ARTICLE1976679/?FROM=SEC368 WORK=THE GLOBE AND MAIL ACCESS-DATE=APRIL 18, 2011 ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20121025011110/HTTP://WWW.THEGLOBEANDMAIL.COM/NEWS/POLITICS/OTTAWA-NOTEBOOK/LAYTON-PANS-TORY-DEFENCE-PLAN-UNVEILS-MADE-IN-CANADA-ALTERNATIVE/ARTICLE1976679/?FROM=SEC368 URL=HTTP://WWW.GLOBALREGINA.COM/SAYS+REPLACING+NAVY+AGING+SUPPLY+SHIPS+WOULD+DEFENCE+PRIORITY/4586012/STORY.HTML PUBLISHER=GLOBAL NEWS ACCESS-DATE=APRIL 18, 2011 ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20120314220700/HTTP://WWW.GLOBALREGINA.COM/SAYS+REPLACING+NAVY+AGING+SUPPLY+SHIPS+WOULD+DEFENCE+PRIORITY/4586012/STORY.HTML, live, valign="top"Economy and fiscal policyBalanced budget and recessionConservatives argued that they steered the economy through the financial crisis of 2007–2008, and promised to eliminate the budget deficit by 2014–15.HTTPS://NATIONALPOST.COM/NEWS/CANADA/POLITICS/TORIES+KILL+DEFICIT+EARLY/4582506/STORY.HTML >TITLE=TORIES VOW TO KILL DEFICIT EARLY DATE=APRIL 8, 2011 TITLE=TORIES VOW TO ELIMINATE DEFICIT EARLY ACCESS-DATE=APRIL 14, 2011 ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20110411105923/HTTP://WWW.CBC.CA/NEWS/BUSINESS/STORY/2011/04/08/CV-ELECTION-DAY14.HTML budget surplus, before the Conservatives took power.HTTP://WWW.SAULTSTAR.COM/ARTICLEDISPLAY.ASPX?E=3035065 PUBLISHER=THE SAULT STAR FIRST1=TOM ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20110720204142/HTTP://WWW.SAULTSTAR.COM/ARTICLEDISPLAY.ASPX?E=3035065 URL-STATUS=DEAD, HTTP://WWW.TORONTOSUN.COM/NEWS/DECISION2011/2011/04/16/18015056.HTML >TITLE=PAUL MARTIN RIPS TORY FISCAL RECORD FIRST1=DAVE NEWSPAPER=TORONTO SUN ACCESS-DATE=APRIL 16, 2011 ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20121002173546/HTTP://WWW.TORONTOSUN.COM/NEWS/DECISION2011/2011/04/16/18015056.HTML PUBLISHER=INVESTMENTREVIEW.COM ACCESS-DATE=MAY 5, 2011 ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20110107125614/HTTP://WWW.INVESTMENTREVIEW.COM/NEWS/EUROPE-CAN-LEARN-FROM-CANADA-JOHN-MAJOR-PAUL-MARTIN-4345 Big Five (banks)#Proposed mergers>proposed bank mergers is what actually sheltered Canada from the worst effects of the recession.HTTPS://WWW.REUTERS.COM/ARTICLE/US-FINANCE-MERGERS-IDINTRE5623FR20090703 >TITLE=WORLD CRISIS PUTS CANADIAN BANK MERGERS OUT OF MIND LAST=JORDAN ACCESS-DATE=APRIL 15, 2011 ARCHIVE-DATE=JANUARY 25, 2016 URL-STATUS=LIVE, HTTPS://NEWS.YAHOO.COM/S/AP/20110410/AP_ON_RE_CA/CN_HARPER_S_CANADA_REMAKE >TITLE=PRIME MINISTER NUDGING CANADA TO THE RIGHT – ASSOCIATED PRESS LAST=GILLES DATE=APRIL 10, 2011 ACCESS-DATE=APRIL 15, 2011 ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20110413175543/HTTP://NEWS.YAHOO.COM/S/AP/20110410/AP_ON_RE_CA/CN_HARPER_S_CANADA_REMAKE balanced budget in four years.HTTP://WWW.CBC.CA/NEWS/POLITICS/CANADAVOTES2011/STORY/2011/04/09/CV-NDP-PLATFORM.HTML PUBLISHER=CBC ACCESS-DATE=APRIL 18, 2011 ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20110413055504/HTTP://WWW.CBC.CA/NEWS/POLITICS/CANADAVOTES2011/STORY/2011/04/09/CV-NDP-PLATFORM.HTML PUBLISHER=CBC ACCESS-DATE=APRIL 29, 2011 ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20110426021919/HTTP://WWW.CBC.CA/NEWS/CANADA/NOVA-SCOTIA/STORY/2011/04/23/CV-ELECTION-SATURDAY-CAMPAIGN.HTML, live, stating it contains over $30 billion in new spending derived from sources that are not credible, and that implementing a cap and trade system that would take years to realize rather than provide the in-year contributions as claimed. valign="top"TITLE=IGNATIEFF HEADS TO VANCOUVER PHARMACY TO UNVEIL ANOTHER PLATFORM PLANKACCESS-DATE=MARCH 30, 2011DATE=MARCH 30, 2011ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20110401131253/HTTP://WWW.THEGLOBEANDMAIL.COM/NEWS/POLITICS/OTTAWA-NOTEBOOK/IGNATIEFF-HEADS-TO-VANCOUVER-PHARMACY-TO-UNVEIL-ANOTHER-PLATFORM-PLANK/ARTICLE1962922/URL=HTTP://WWW.TORONTOSUN.COM/NEWS/DECISION2011/2011/03/30/17804416.HTML NEWSPAPER=TORONTO SUN ACCESS-DATE=APRIL 18, 2011 ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20110407184305/HTTP://WWW.TORONTOSUN.COM/NEWS/DECISION2011/2011/03/30/17804416.HTML small business are the ones creating more jobs, thus he promised to lower the tax rate for small business from 11% to 9%. He then went on to say the big business are using the corporate tax cuts by providing their CEOs with big bonuses, and thus pledged to increase their tax rate to 19.5%.HTTP://MONEY.CANOE.CA/MONEY/BUSINESS/CANADA/ARCHIVES/2011/03/20110330-143448.HTML PUBLISHER=MONEY.CANOE.CA LAST1=SINGLETON ACCESS-DATE=APRIL 18, 2011 ARCHIVE-DATE=JULY 25, 2011, usurped, The Liberals on the other hand, will raise the rate to 18%, stating that it will be competitive but not excessively low. valign="top"Canada Pension Plan and QPP benefits, in conjunction with the provinces, with an increase in payroll deductions of as much as 2.5 per cent.HTTPS://WWW.CTVNEWS.CA/KEY-ELECTION-CAMPAIGN-PROMISES-SO-FAR-FROM-THE-FEDERAL-PARTIES-1.626544 WORK=CTV NEWS ACCESS-DATE=APRIL 29, 2011 ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20120329144355/HTTP://WWW.CTV.CA/SERVLET/ARTICLENEWS/STORY/CTVNEWS/20110402/KEY-CAMPAIGN-ELECTION-PROMISES-040102/20110414?S_NAME=ELECTION2011, March 29, 2012, valign="top"Sales taxes in British Columbia>Harmonized Sales Tax in the upcoming referendum, the NDP promised to ensure that the penalties to be imposed by Ottawa on the HST agreement will be cancelled.FOWLIE >FIRST=JONATHAN TITLE=B.C. SHOULD KEEP MONEY EVEN IF HST IS SCRAPPED: LAYTON DATE=APRIL 7, 2011 ARCHIVE-DATE=JULY 9, 2011 URL-STATUS=DEAD, HTTP://WWW.CBC.CA/NEWS/CANADA/BRITISH-COLUMBIA/STORY/2011/04/06/CV-ELECTION-LAYTON-SENIORS.HTML >WORK=CBC NEWS DATE=APRIL 6, 2011 ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20110409181753/HTTP://WWW.CBC.CA/NEWS/CANADA/BRITISH-COLUMBIA/STORY/2011/04/06/CV-ELECTION-LAYTON-SENIORS.HTML URL=HTTPS://THEPROVINCE.COM/LAYTON+COURTING+HATERS/4573708/STORY.HTML PUBLISHER=THEPROVINCE.COM ACCESS-DATE=APRIL 18, 2011, {{Dead linkbot=InternetArchiveBot URL=HTTP://WWW.TORONTOSUN.COM/NEWS/DECISION2011/2011/04/06/17894741.HTML NEWSPAPER=TORONTO SUN ACCESS-DATE=APRIL 18, 2011 ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20110409183355/HTTP://WWW.TORONTOSUN.COM/NEWS/DECISION2011/2011/04/06/17894741.HTML, live, valign="top"TITLE=A WISH LIST FOR ALL INVESTORS IN THIS YEAR'S ELECTIONACCESS-DATE=MARCH 30, 2011DATE=MARCH 29, 2011ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20110402042505/HTTP://WWW.THEGLOBEANDMAIL.COM/GLOBE-INVESTOR/PERSONAL-FINANCE/ROB-CARRICK/A-WISH-LIST-FOR-ALL-INVESTORS-IN-THIS-YEARS-ELECTION/ARTICLE1960511/, dead, valign="top"Electoral reform and political honestyPolitical honestyThe New Democratic Party stated that both the Conservatives and the Liberals cannot be trusted. The NDP accused the Conservatives of creating "Liberal-style Political corruption"CHASE LAST2=GALLOWAY LAST3=TABER TITLE=FEDERAL ELECTION CALLED FOR MAY 2 ACCESS-DATE=AUGUST 7, 2021 THE GLOBE AND MAIL >DATE=MARCH 26, 2011 ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20210807193912/HTTPS://WWW.THEGLOBEANDMAIL.COM/NEWS/POLITICS/FEDERAL-ELECTION-CALLED-FOR-MAY-2/ARTICLE576430/ corporate tax cuts, and the War in Afghanistan (2001–present)>Afghanistan mission.HTTP://WWW.CBC.CA/NEWS/POLITICS/CANADAVOTES2011/STORY/2011/04/09/CV-ELECTION-LAYTON.HTML > WORK=CBC NEWS DATE=APRIL 9, 2011 ARCHIVE-DATE=APRIL 12, 2011 URL-STATUS=LIVE, HTTPS://WWW.THESTAR.COM/NEWS/CANADA/POLITICS/ARTICLE/968602--LAYTON-CALLS-IGNATIEFF-PART-OF-THE-PROBLEM?BN=1 > LOCATION=TORONTO FIRST=RICHARD J. TITLE=LAYTON CALLS IGNATIEFF 'PART OF THE PROBLEM' ACCESS-DATE=AUGUST 25, 2017 ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20121024031412/HTTP://WWW.THESTAR.COM/NEWS/CANADA/POLITICS/ARTICLE/968602--LAYTON-CALLS-IGNATIEFF-PART-OF-THE-PROBLEM?BN=1 TITLE=LAYTON SLAMS HARPER OVER LOAN DITHERING | LONDON | NEWS | LONDON FREE PRESS THE LONDON FREE PRESS >DATE=APRIL 5, 2011 ARCHIVE-DATE=APRIL 10, 2011 URL-STATUS=LIVE, Throughout the election various polls had shown the political honesty issue to be low on the list of priorities for voters. Post-media conducted a survey that found health care, the economy, taxes and jobs all more important to Canadians. Further, half of voters identified Harper as the best suited to be Prime Minister followed by Layton with one third support and Ignatieff with less than twenty percent support. On the question of a hidden agenda, Ignatieff is viewed by three times more of those polled to have a hidden agenda than Harper.HTTPS://VANCOUVERSUN.COM/NEWS/DECISION-CANADA/VOTERS+CONNECTING+DOTS/4668930/STORY.HTML >TITLE=VOTERS NOT CONNECTING THE DOTS LAST1=BOSWELL DATE=APRIL 25, 2011 ARCHIVE-DATE=APRIL 30, 2011 URL-STATUS=DEAD, valign="top"Federal political financing in Canada#Per-vote subsidy>per-vote subsidy over two years, with its eventual cancellation. valign="top"Senate of Canada>Senate reform without changing the constitution.HTTP://NEWS.NATIONALPOST.COM/2011/04/25/HARPER-LENDS-SUPPORT-TO-ONTARIO-CANDIDATES-FACING-NDP-INCUMBENTS/ >TITLE=HARPER PLEDGES SENATE REFORM, BUT WITHOUT CONSTITUTIONAL WRANGLING DATE=DECEMBER 22, 2010 ARCHIVE-DATE=AUGUST 7, 2021 URL-STATUS=DEAD, The NDP pledged to abolish the Senate, stating it is a waste of tax revenues and a form of patronage. valign="top"Promised government programsNewfoundland hydroelectric project and Quebec's HSTConservatives, New Democrats and Liberals promised $4.2 billion in loan guarantees to support the Lower Churchill Project.SHAWN MCCARTHY AND STEVEN CHASEURL=HTTPS://WWW.THEGLOBEANDMAIL.COM/NEWS/POLITICS/HARPER-TO-BACK-LOWER-CHURCHILL-MEGA-PROJECT-IN-BID-FOR-NEWFOUNDLAND-SEATS/ARTICLE1963954/NEWSPAPER=THE GLOBE AND MAILARCHIVE-DATE=APRIL 4, 2011URL-STATUS=DEAD, Due to outcry from Quebec over the pledge to provide loan guarantees for the Lower Churchill project, the Conservatives promise Quebec a $2.2 billion transfer to ease the Quebec Sales Tax to Harmonized Sales Tax transition.CHASE>FIRST=STEVENURL=HTTPS://WWW.THEGLOBEANDMAIL.COM/NEWS/POLITICS/OTTAWA-NOTEBOOK/HARPER-PLEDGES-TO-SETTLE-MULTIBILLION-DOLLAR-HST-FEUD-WITH-QUEBEC/ARTICLE1967422/NEWSPAPER=THE GLOBE AND MAILARCHIVE-DATE=APRIL 7, 2011URL-STATUS=DEAD, valign="top"PUBLISHER=LIBERAL.CA ACCESS-DATE=APRIL 25, 2011 ARCHIVE-DATE=MAY 3, 2011, dead, The NDP's plan is to reduce the tuition fees, by increasing transfer payments to the Provinces. valign="top"TITLE=IGNATIEFF CALLS FOR IMMIGRATION 'FAIRNESS COMMISSIONER'ACCESS-DATE=MARCH 30, 2011DATE=MARCH 29, 2011ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20110401100936/HTTP://WWW.THEGLOBEANDMAIL.COM/NEWS/POLITICS/OTTAWA-NOTEBOOK/IGNATIEFF-CALLS-FOR-IMMIGRATION-FAIRNESS-COMMISSIONER/ARTICLE1962566/, dead, valign="top"Health careThe NDP pledged to train 1,200 more doctors and 6,000 more nurses.GALLOWAY>FIRST=GLORIAURL=HTTPS://WWW.THEGLOBEANDMAIL.COM/NEWS/POLITICS/OTTAWA-NOTEBOOK/NDP-GOES-BIG-WITH-HEALTH-CARE-ADS-ACCUSING-HARPER-OF-NEGLECT/ARTICLE1961859/NEWSPAPER=THE GLOBE AND MAILARCHIVE-DATE=APRIL 2, 2011URL-STATUS=DEAD, KIRKUP >FIRST=KRISTY TITLE=FUTURE OF HEALTH CARE HINGES ON ELECTION: LAYTON | DECISION 2011 | NEWS DATE=APRIL 6, 2011 ARCHIVE-DATE=APRIL 10, 2011 URL-STATUS=LIVE, HTTPS://WWW.CTVNEWS.CA/LAYTON-WARNS-CANADIANS-ABOUT-HARPER-S-HEALTH-CARE-1.627964 >TITLE=LAYTON WARNS CANADIANS ABOUT HARPER'S HEALTH CARE AGENCY=THE CANADIAN PRESS ACCESS-DATE=APRIL 18, 2011 ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20120329145902/HTTP://WWW.CTV.CA/CTVNEWS/SPECIALEVENT7/20110406/LAYTON-HEALTH-CARE-110406/ URL=HTTPS://WWW.THEGLOBEANDMAIL.COM/NEWS/POLITICS/TORIES-WILL-LET-HEALTH-CARE-FAIL-LAYTON-WARNS-AS-HE-ROLLS-OUT-PLAN-IN-BC/ARTICLE1973270/ WORK=THE GLOBE AND MAIL ACCESS-DATE=APRIL 18, 2011 ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20110411211312/HTTP://WWW.THEGLOBEANDMAIL.COM/NEWS/POLITICS/TORIES-WILL-LET-HEALTH-CARE-FAIL-LAYTON-WARNS-AS-HE-ROLLS-OUT-PLAN-IN-BC/ARTICLE1973270/ WORK=THE STAR LAST=BRENNAN DATE=APRIL 6, 2011 ARCHIVE-DATE=OCTOBER 24, 2012 URL-STATUS=LIVE, All parties promised to continue to increase healthcare transfers to provinces by 6% annually. valign="top"Government regulationsImproved internet and usage based billingThe New Democratic Party (NDP) promised a ban on all forms of usage based billing by ISPs, and enshrine net neutrality in law, which would prevent bandwidth throttling. The Liberals promised net neutrality as well as "functional separation" with regards to usage based billing as well as enshrining net neutrality in law, which would prevent bandwidth throttling.HTTP://WWW.CBC.CA/NEWS/POLITICS/CANADAVOTES2011/STORY/2011/04/06/CV-ELECTION-LIB-RURAL.HTML >TITLE=LIBERALS TARGET FASTER RURAL INTERNET SERVICE CBC NEWS >PUBLISHER=CANADIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION >DATE=APRIL 6, 2011 ARCHIVE-DATE=DECEMBER 13, 2011 URL-STATUS=LIVE, HTTP://WWW.CBC.CA/NEWS/STORY/2011/01/20/CONSUMER-INTERNET-NDP.HTML >TITLE=EXTRA BILLING FOR INTERNET USE A 'RIPOFF': NDP CBC NEWS >PUBLISHER=CANADIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION >DATE=JANUARY 20, 2011 ARCHIVE-DATE=NOVEMBER 9, 2012 URL-STATUS=DEAD, Almost all of the established parties, with the exception of the Conservatives, outlined policies that they claim will improve Canadian Internet access.HTTP://WWW.CBC.CA/NEWS/POLITICS/CANADAVOTES2011/STORY/2011/04/28/TECHNOLOGY-INTERNET-ELECTION-DIGITAL-PLATFORMS.HTML >TITLE=PLATFORMS PRO-INTERNET, EXCEPT CONSERVATIVE: REPORT CBC NEWS >PUBLISHER=CANADIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION >DATE=APRIL 28, 2011 ARCHIVE-DATE=APRIL 30, 2011 URL-STATUS=LIVE, valign="top"credit card rates at five percentage points above the Bank of Canada's prime interest rate.GALLOWAYTITLE=LAYTON VOWS TO CAP CREDIT-CARD RATESACCESS-DATE=MARCH 29, 2011DATE=MARCH 29, 2011ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20110402041206/HTTP://WWW.THEGLOBEANDMAIL.COM/NEWS/POLITICS/LAYTON-VOWS-TO-CAP-CREDIT-CARD-RATES/ARTICLE1961191/, dead,

Election campaign

(File:2011 Canadian election pie chart.svg|thumb|Pie chart detailing the percentage of seats won in the House of Commons)

Controversies and gaffes

A number of controversies took place during the election campaign.

Leaders' debates

{{See also|2011 Canadian leaders debates}}The English- and French-language debates took place on April 12 and 13 respectively.NEWS, Daniel, Leblanc, Simon, Houpt, Steve, Ladurantaye, Broadcasters rule out one-on-one debate between Harper and Ignatieff, confirm May's exclusion,weblink March 31, 2011, The Globe and Mail, March 30, 2011, April 3, 2011,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110403012704weblink">weblink dead, NEWS,weblink How Canadian: NHL trumps debate, CBC News, Fitz-Morris, James, April 10, 2011, April 13, 2011, April 13, 2011,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110413053623weblink">weblink live, On March 29, the consortium of broadcasters playing host to the debates (the CBC, CTV, Global, Radio-Canada and TVA) announced that it would only invite the leaders of the four recognized parties in the House of Commons, namely, the Conservative Party, the Liberal Party, the Bloc Québécois and the New Democratic (NDP). Therefore, the Green Party was excluded, despite earning 6.8 per cent of the popular vote in the 2008 federal election.NEWS, Burgmann, Tamsyn, Green's Elizabeth May will fight broadcasters' decision to ditch her from debate, Winnipeg Free Press, The Canadian Press, March 29, 2011,weblink March 30, 2011, {{dead link|date=June 2023}}NEWS, Debate over May diverts campaign Harper pushes lower corporate taxes, Layton would raise them, Ignatieff would add to CPP, CBC News, March 30, 2011,weblink March 30, 2011, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110402050359weblink">weblink April 2, 2011, NEWS, Pynn, Larry, Minsky, Amy, Greens' Elizabeth May, determined to enter debate, prepares legal action, Vancouver Sun and Postmedia News, March 30, 2011,weblink March 30, 2011,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110401124131weblink">weblink April 1, 2011, dead, NEWS, Leblanc, Daniel, Elizabeth May excluded from election debates,weblink March 30, 2011, The Globe and Mail, March 30, 2011, April 1, 2011,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110401100846weblink">weblink dead, On March 30, Stephen Harper challenged Michael Ignatieff to a one-on-one televised debate.NEWS, Steven, Chase, Gloria, Galloway, Jane, Taber, Harper and Ignatieff game for head-to-head debate,weblink March 30, 2011, The Globe and Mail, March 30, 2011, April 1, 2011,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110401100931weblink">weblink dead, Although Ignatieff accepted the challenge, this was opposed by the other opposition parties. The idea was later rejected by the broadcast consortium and cancelled.On April 1, comedian Rick Mercer suggested over Twitter hosting a one-on-one debate between Stephen Harper and Michael Ignatieff at Toronto's Massey Hall. He later added he would donate $50,000 to the charities of their choosing if they were willing to participate. Ignatieff immediately accepted the challenge and named the Alzheimer Society as his charity of choice, as his mother succumbed to Alzheimer's disease in 1992. Harper did not respond to the challenge.NEWS, Ignatieff accepts Rick Mercer debate offer,weblink April 4, 2011, April 2, 2011, CBC, CBC News, April 5, 2011,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110405140442weblink">weblink live, In an interview with The Globe and Mail published on April 1, Troy Reeb, the broadcast consortium chairman, discussed the process behind setting up the leaders' debates and the rationale for various decisions made, including the decision to exclude the Green Party's leader Elizabeth May.NEWS, Ladurantaye, Steve, Why the TV consortium excluded Elizabeth May,weblink April 5, 2011, The Globe and Mail, April 1, 2011, April 5, 2011,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110405002145weblink">weblink dead, On April 5, the Federal Court rejected the Green Party's request for an expedited hearing on the matter prior to the scheduled debates.NEWS, Judge denies Elizabeth May's bid to join leaders' debates,weblink April 5, 2011, The Globe and Mail, April 5, 2011, The Canadian Press, April 8, 2011,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110408063724weblink">weblink dead, On April 10, the date of the French leaders debate was changed from April 14 to 13 due to worries of broadcasting conflicts with the NHL playoffs scheduled for April 14. Also on April 10, Elizabeth May participated in a panel interview on CHCH-TV in Hamilton, which she was invited to attend, as were the leaders of the Bloc, Liberals, New Democrats and Conservatives, by Channel Zero, whose president was disappointed by May's exclusion from the leaders' debates.NEWS, CHCH-TV to Broadcast "Elizabeth May, For the Record" Live this Sunday, April 10, 2011 – 8pm ET,weblink April 10, 2011, CNW Group, April 8, 2011, CNW,weblink" title="archive.today/20120905142548weblink">weblink September 5, 2012, dead,

Small parties public forum

A joint press conference and public forum was staged by 11 of the 18 registered parties and one unregistered party on April 23, 2011, at York University. Forum organizers invited the leaders from all registered political parties who do not have seats in parliament.NEWS, Anna, Di Carlo,weblink The Marxist-Leninist Daily, Cpcml.ca, April 18, 2011, May 14, 2011, May 3, 2011,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110503161615weblink">weblink live, Parties were able to explain their platforms and responded to questions from the audience. As a forum, the goal was an inter-party discussion of major issues, however some debate did occur.Participants in the forum were the Animal Alliance Environmental Voters, the Canadian Action Party, the Christian Heritage Party, the Communist Party, the First Peoples National, the Libertarian Party, the Marijuana Party, the Marxist–Leninist Party, the Rhinoceros Party, and the Pirate Party.Green Party leader Elizabeth May refused to participate in the forum claiming they are not one of "the small, fringe parties".NEWS, Green Party snubs fringe debate, National Post, Canada, Adrian, Humphreys,weblink April 5, 2011, April 9, 2011, August 7, 2021,weblink dead,

Opinion polls

{{Canadian federal election opinion polling|2008|2011|2015|2019|2021|byCon2=yes|byCon3=yes|byCon4=yes|byCon5=yes}}(File:2011FederalElectionPolls.png|border|500px)

New Democratic Party surge

In the week before the leaders debate, on April 8, a poll showed the New Democratic Party (NDP) support at 13.2%.JOURNAL, Richard J., Brennan,weblink NDP fortunes falling fast in latest poll, Toronto Star, April 9, 2011, April 25, 2011, October 24, 2012,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20121024031459weblink">weblink live, NEWS, Gloria, Galloway,weblink Layton remains game despite polls showing he's the odd man out, The Globe and Mail, April 8, 2011, April 25, 2011, A reversal of fortune began on April 16, when an Angus Reid poll indicated a tie in support for the NDP and the Liberals, both polling at 25%.NEWS, Joanna, Smith,weblink NDP moves into tie with Liberals: Poll, Toronto Star, April 13, 2011, April 18, 2011, Toronto, May 1, 2011,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110501223620weblink">weblink live, NEWS,weblink Canada's NDP pushes for bigger place in election sun, Reuters, February 14, 2011, April 18, 2011, Randall, Palmer, January 4, 2016,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160104200923weblink">weblink live, NEWS,weblink Layton sees growing Quebec support, targets Liberals, CBC News, April 18, 2011, April 18, 2011, April 17, 2013,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20130417162852weblink">weblink live, The New Democrats' poll numbers then moved significantly ahead of the Liberals and slightly or moderately behind the Conservatives.NEWS,weblink Poll shows NDP, Liberals in statistical tie, CTV News, April 22, 2011, April 22, 2011, live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110426112552weblink">weblink April 26, 2011, NEWS,weblink Surging NDP support changes campaign dynamic, CBC News, April 21, 2011, April 22, 2011, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110424072809weblink">weblink April 24, 2011, NEWS,weblink Conservatives Lead By Five; NDP Surges Past Liberals, Harris/Decima, April 28, 2011, April 28, 2011,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110430224105weblink">weblink April 30, 2011, dead, The surge began in Quebec, with the NDP surprising many observers by surpassing the previously front-running Bloc in Quebec. In the entirety of Canada, the NDP surged past the Liberals to take the second place behind the Conservatives; in Quebec, the NDP took first place.NEWS,weblink NDP surges to strong second place in poll, Reuters, April 25, 2011, April 25, 2011, Janet, Guttsman, January 4, 2016,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160104200922weblink">weblink live, WEB,weblink NDP Breakout Continues As Everyone Else Spins Wheels, April 23, 2011, Ekos Research Associates, EKOS, April 2011, December 4, 2020,weblink dead, The NDP surge became the dominant narrative of the last week of the campaign, as other parties turned their attacks on the party.NEWS,weblink NDP surge dominates talk on federal campaign trail, Cohen, Tobi, Raj, Althia, Kennedy, Mark, Vancouver Sun, April 27, 2011, April 27, 2011, May 2, 2011,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110502043910weblink">weblink dead, Ruth Ellen Brosseau, the NDP candidate in Berthier—Maskinongé, won despite not running a campaign, barely speaking French at this timeNEWS,weblink In French-speaking riding, NDP candidate speaks little French, Chung, Andrew, Toronto Star, April 28, 2011, April 25, 2015, January 25, 2016,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160125170004weblink">weblink live, and being on holiday in Las Vegas at the time of the election. The NDP's rise in popularity was nicknamed "Orange Crush", an allusion to the soft drink with the same name and the party's colour.NEWS,weblink Remembering Jack Layton, CBC News, Laura, Payton, The NDP's surging popularity, especially in Quebec, during the last election came to be known as the Orange Crush., August 22, 2011, August 12, 2013, June 19, 2013,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20130619151636weblink">weblink live, It was also nicknamed the "Orange Wave".NEWS, The decline and fall of the NDP in Quebec, en-US, CBC News, Montpetit, Jonathan, August 26, 2019,weblink 2021-01-11, July 6, 2021,weblink live,

Election spending

Pre-campaign, there are no limits to what a political party, candidate, or third party can spend — spending rules are only in force once the writ is dropped and the campaign has officially begun.Spending limits for the 2011 federal election{| class="wikitable"! !! Spending Limit !! NotesPolitical Parties >| If full slate of 308 candidates.Party Candidates (Average electoral district) >ACCESS-DATE=AUGUST 7, 2021 ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20210125212631/HTTPS://WWW.ELECTIONS.CA/CONTENT.ASPX?SECTION=POL&DOCUMENT=INDEX&DIR=LIMITS%2FLIMITCAN&LANG=E access-date=August 2, 2015 archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150820005709weblink |url-status=live }}Third Parties (corporations, unions, special interest groups, etc.) >access-date=August 7, 2021 archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150718060744weblink |url-status=live }}Election spending during the 2011 federal electionWEB,weblink Browse Parties -- 2011 General Election ›› Pundits' Guide, August 2, 2015, August 25, 2015,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20150825203414weblink">weblink live, {| class="wikitable"! Party !! Total Spending (% of limit)!! Party Election Spending (% of limit)!! Total Candidate Spending (% of limit)!! # Candidates Spending > 75% of Candidate Limit !! # Candidates Spending > 50% of Candidate LimitConservative >| 228NDP >| 70Liberal >| 169

Endorsements

Most major newspapers endorsed the Conservatives, and none solely endorsed the Liberals or Greens. Canada's highest circulated newspaper, the Toronto Star, endorsed the NDP but also advised readers to vote against the Conservatives.

Candidates by party

Articles on parties' candidates for the 41st election:{|

• Animal Alliance Environmental Voters
• Bloc Québécois
• Christian Heritage
• Communist

• Conservative
• Green
• Independent and no affiliation
• Liberal

• Libertarian
• Marxist–Leninist
• New Democrats

Results

(File:2011 Canadian parliament.svg|center|300px)(File:Canada 2011 Federal Election.svg|thumb|Popular vote by province, with graphs indicating the number of seats won within that province or territory. (Because seats are awarded by the popular vote in each riding, the provincial popular vote does not necessarily translate to more seats.).)File:2011 Canadian General Election Gallagher Index.svg|right|thumb|250px|The disproportionality of parliament in the 2011 election was 12.45 according to the Gallagher IndexGallagher Index{{electiontable||Summary of the May 2, 2011 House of Commons of Canada election results}} style="text-align:center;background-color:#e9e9e9"! rowspan="2" colspan="2" style="text-align:left;" | Party! rowspan="2" style="text-align:left;" | Party leader! rowspan="2" style="font-size:80%;" | Candidates! colspan="5" | Seats! colspan="4" | Popular vote style="text-align:center;background-color:#e9e9e9"2008 Canadian federal election>2008 Dissol.| 2011 % Change| % seats| # # Change| % pp Change{{Canadian party colour/Temporary|CA|Conservative|row-name}} Stephen Harper| +1.98pp{{Canadian party colour/Temporary|CA|NDP|row-name}} Jack Layton| +12.47pp{{Canadian party colour/Temporary|CA|Liberal|row-name}} Michael Ignatieff| −7.36pp{{Canadian party colour/Temporary|CA|BQ|row-name}} Gilles Duceppe| −3.92pp{{Canadian party colour/Temporary|CA|Green|row-name}} Elizabeth Mayn/a| −2.89pp{{Canadian party colour/Temporary|CA|Independent|row}}Independent and No Affiliation| −0.19pp{{Canadian party colour/Temporary|CA|Christian Heritage|row-name}} James Hnatiuk| −0.06pp{{Canadian party colour/Temporary|CA|Marxist-Leninist|row-name}}Anna Di Carlo| +0.01pp{{Canadian party colour/Temporary|CA|Libertarian|row-name}}Dennis Young| −0.01pp{{Canadian party colour/Temporary|CA|Progressive Canadian|row-name}} Sinclair Stevens| —{{Canadian party colour/Temporary|CA|Rhinoceros|row-name}}2 François Gourd| +0.01pp{{Canadian party colour/Temporary|CA|Pirate|row-name}} Mikkel Paulson| *{{Canadian party colour/Temporary|CA|Communist|row-name}} Miguel Figueroa| −0.01pp{{Canadian party colour/Temporary|CA|Canadian Action|row-name}} Christopher Porter| −0.01pp{{Canadian party colour/Temporary|CA|Marijuana|row-name}} Blair Longley| —{{Canadian party colour/Temporary|CA|AAEVPC|row-name}} Liz White| +0.01pp{{Canadian party colour/Temporary|CA|Western Block|row-name}} Doug Christie| —{{Canadian party colour|CA|United|row-name}}Brian Jedan| *{{Canadian party colour/Temporary|CA|FPNP|row-name}} Will Morin| −0.01pp{{Canadian party colour/Temporary|CA|Vacant|row}} Vacant| 3   style="background-color:#e9e9e9;"! style="text-align:left;" colspan="3" | Total! 1,587! 308! 308! 308! ±0.0%! 100.0%! 14,723,980! +886,286! 100%!   Source: Elections Canada The voter turnout was 61.1%.WEB, Pomfret, R., Voter Turnout at Federal Elections and Referendums,weblink Elections Canada Online, Elections Canada, February 10, 2012, September 28, 2010,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20100928015827weblink">weblink live, {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right;"|+ Elections to the 41st Parliament of Canada – seats won/lost by party, 2008–2011!rowspan="2" colspan="2"|Party!rowspan="2"|2008!colspan="9" align="center"|Gain from (loss to)!rowspan="2"|2011CAbackground}} colspan="2" align="center"|ConCAbackground}} colspan="2" align="center"|NDPCAbackground}} colspan="2" align="center"|LibCAbackground}} align="center"|BQCAbackground}} align="center"|GrnCAbackground}} align="center"|Ind{{Canadian party colour/Temporary|CA|Conservative|row-name}}|166{{Canadian party colour/Temporary|CA|NDP|row-name}}|103{{Canadian party colour/Temporary|CA|Liberal|row-name}}|34{{Canadian party colour/Temporary|CA|BQ|row-name}}|4{{Canadian party colour/Temporary|CA|Green|row-name}}|1{{Canadian party colour/Temporary|CA|Independent|row-name}}|–Total 308 7(30) 3 (69) 44 (1) 45 (1)2 308{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right;"|+ Resulting composition of the 41st Parliament of Canada!colspan="2" rowspan="2"| Source !!colspan="6"|PartyCAbackground}} align="center" |ConCAbackground}} align="center" |NDPCAbackground}} align="center" |LibCAbackground}} align="center" |BQCAbackground}} align="center" |Grn!TotalSeats retained style="text-align:left;"|195Open seats held 8 1 2 1 12Ouster of incumbents changing affiliation 1 1Seats changing hands style="text-align:left;"|88Open seats gained 1 7 8Byelection gains held 2 1 3Ouster of 3rd-party byelection gain 1 1Total 166 103 34 4 1 308{{Bar box|title=Popular vote|titlebar=#ddd|width=600px|barwidth=410px|bars={{Bar percent|Conservative|{{Canadian party colour|CA|Conservative}}|39.62}}{{Bar percent|New Democratic|{{Canadian party colour|CA|NDP}}|30.63}}{{Bar percent|Liberal|{{Canadian party colour|CA|Liberal}}|18.91}}{{Bar percent|Bloc Québécois|{{Canadian party colour|CA|BQ}}|6.04}}{{Bar percent|Green|{{Canadian party colour|CA|Green}}|3.91}}{{Bar percent|Others|{{Canadian party colour|CA|Inde}}|0.89}}}}{{Bar box|title=Seat totals|titlebar=#ddd|width=600px|barwidth=410px|bars={{Bar percent|Conservative|{{Canadian party colour|CA|Conservative}}|53.90}}{{Bar percent|New Democratic|{{Canadian party colour|CA|NDP}}|33.44}}{{Bar percent|Liberal|{{Canadian party colour|CA|Liberal}}|11.04}}{{Bar percent|Bloc Québécois|{{Canadian party colour|CA|BQ}}|1.30}}{{Bar percent|Green|{{Canadian party colour|CA|Green}}|0.32}}}}">

Results by province{| class"wikitable"

! style="text-align:center;" colspan="3"|Party name! style="text-align:center;"|BC! style="text-align:center;"|AB! style="text-align:center;"|SK! style="text-align:center;"|MB! style="text-align:center;"|ON! style="text-align:center;"|QC! style="text-align:center;"|NB! style="text-align:center;"|NS! style="text-align:center;"|PE! style="text-align:center;"|NL! style="text-align:center;"|YT! style="text-align:center;"|NT! style="text-align:center;"|NU! style="text-align:center;"|TotalCAbackground}} rowspan="2" |    Conservative| Seats:21 27 13 11 73 5 8 4 1 1 1 0 1 166| Vote:45.5 66.8 56.3 53.5 44.4 16.5 43.9 36.7 41.2 28.4 33.8 32.1 49.9 39.6 CAbackground}} rowspan="2" |    New Democratic| Seats:12 1 0 2 22 59 1 3 0 2 0 1 0 103| Vote:32.5 16.8 32.3 25.8 25.6 42.9 29.8 30.3 15.4 32.6 14.4 45.8 19.4 30.6 CAbackground}} rowspan="2" |    Liberal| Seats:2 0 1 1 11 7 1 4 3 4 0 0 0 34| Vote:13.4 9.3 8.6 16.6 25.3 14.2 22.6 28.9 41.0 37.9 33.0 18.4 28.6 18.9 CAbackground}} rowspan="2" |    Bloc Québécois| Seats:| colspan="5" rowspan="2" {{n/a}}4 | colspan="7" rowspan="2" {{n/a}}4| Vote:23.4 6.0 CAbackground}} rowspan="2" |    Green| Seats:1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1| Vote:7.7 5.3 2.7 3.6 3.8 2.1 3.2 4.0 2.4 0.9 18.9 3.1 2.1 3.9 CAbackground}}|    Independent (politician)>Independent and no affiliation| Vote:0.2 1.3 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.6 0.5 0.3 0.4|! colspan="2" |Total seats! style="text-align:right;"|36 ! style="text-align:right;"|28 ! style="text-align:right;"|14 ! style="text-align:right;"|14 ! style="text-align:right;"|106! style="text-align:right;"|75 ! style="text-align:right;"|10 ! style="text-align:right;"|11 ! style="text-align:right;"|4 ! style="text-align:right;"|7 ! style="text-align:right;"|1 ! style="text-align:right;"|1 ! style="text-align:right;"|1 ! style="text-align:right;"|308

Post-election

{{Gallery|title=Cartographical analysis of 2011 results height=170|align=center|Image:Canada_federal_election_2011_-_Results_By_Riding.svg }}

Overview of results

(File:Élection-fédérale-canadienne-2011.png|right|thumb|250px|Analysis of results by riding, together with comparisons from previous election and at dissolution.)(File:Elections2011wikipedia.JPG|right|thumb|250px|Canada Federal Election 2011 by Province)File:Canada 2011 Federal Election seats.svg|thumb|right|250px|Rendition of party representation in the #6495ED|Conservatives (166)}}{{legend|#F4A460|New Democrats (103)}}{{legend|#F08080|Liberals (34)}}{{legend|#87CEFA|Bloc Québécois (4)}}{{legend|#2F873E|Green Party (1)}}With an overall voter turnout of 61.4% and 14,823,408 ballots cast,JOURNAL, Reilly, Ian, "Amusing Ourselves to Death?" Social Media, Political Satire, and the 2011 Election, Canadian Journal of Communication, 2011, 36, 3, 503, 10.22230/cjc.2011v36n3a2508, the Conservative Party remained in power, moving from a minority to a majority governmentWEB,weblink Preliminary Results, Elections Canada, May 3, 2011, February 28, 2012,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20120228042630weblink">weblink live, by winning 166 of the 308 seats.NEWS, Kanada: Konservative erringen Sieg,weblink May 11, 2011, Die Welt, May 4, 2011, de, May 9, 2011,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110509154721weblink">weblink live, The New Democratic Party won the largest number of seats in their history, including a large majority of seats in Quebec (where they had previously only ever elected two candidates) and formed the Official Opposition for the first time. The Liberal Party won the fewest seats in their history and party leader Michael Ignatieff was defeated in his own riding. The Bloc Québécois, which had always won at least a majority of seats in Quebec in every election of their existence, lost nearly all their seats, and thus also their official party status, including the seat of their leader Gilles Duceppe.NEWS, LeBlanc, Daniel, Duceppe resigns as Bloc leader after losing riding,weblink May 11, 2011, The Globe and Mail, May 2, 2011, May 5, 2011,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110505112408weblink">weblink live, Green Party leader Elizabeth May became the first Member of Parliament elected to represent the party.NEWS, Taylor, Lesley Ciarula, Dryden falls, Trudeau survives: Notable election winners and losers,weblink May 3, 2011, Toronto Star, May 3, 2011, May 6, 2011,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110506040353weblink">weblink live,

Recounts

Elections Canada ordered three judicial recounts,NEWS, Chai, Carmen, Elections Canada now reviewing 3 riding wins,weblink May 5, 2011, Montreal Gazette, May 5, 2011, January 12, 2015,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20150112140031weblink">weblink live, and an elector initiated a fourth.NEWS,weblink Vote recount set for Winnipeg federal riding, CBC News, May 13, 2011, May 14, 2011, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110516065337weblink">weblink May 16, 2011, The Canada Elections Act states that "a judicial recount is required when the difference in votes between the first- and second-place candidates is less than one one-thousandth of the total votes cast in a riding," and allows an elector or candidate in any riding to approach a judge and request a recount regardless of the final result. In all four ridings, Etobicoke Centre, Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, Nipissing—Timiskaming, and Winnipeg North, the validated result was confirmed:

• As initially validated by election officials, Conservative Party candidate Ted Opitz defeated Liberal incumbent Borys Wrzesnewskyj in Etobicoke Centre by 25 votes,NEWS,weblink Judicial recount ordered for Etobicoke Centre riding, May 4, 2011, May 4, 2011, Toronto Star, Henry, Stancu, October 24, 2012,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20121024032213weblink">weblink live, a margin increased by one in the recount.NEWS,weblink Conservative Opitz wins Etobicoke Centre recount, CBC News, May 23, 2011, May 23, 2011, May 25, 2011,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110525050055weblink">weblink live, Citing potential voter registration irregularities, however, Wrzesnewskyj has sought to have the result overturned by the courts, filing a formal motion with the Ontario Superior Court in spring 2012.NEWS, Etobicoke Centre election result marred by 'irregularities',weblink May 3, 2021, CBC News, April 23, 2012, September 10, 2016,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160910104109weblink">weblink live, On October 25, 2012, the Supreme Court of Canada upheld Opitz's narrow victory.WEB, Judgements of the Supreme Court of Canada: Opitz v. Wrzesnewskyj, January 2001,weblink June 25, 2012, October 27, 2012,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20121027212853weblink">weblink live,
• Initially, Conservative Jay Aspin defeated incumbent Anthony Rota of the Liberal Party by 15 votes in Nipissing—Timiskaming; the recount added three votes to the margin of victory.NEWS,weblink Recounts confirm Liberal victory in Winnipeg, Tory win in Northern Ontario, The Globe and Mail, Canada, May 17, 2011, May 17, 2011, Gloria, Galloway, November 2, 2011,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20111102052318weblink">weblink live,
• In Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, incumbent Conservative MP Bernard Généreux was initially declared re-elected, but due to a counting error on election night, the seat was later determined to have been won by the NDP candidate François Lapointe by a margin of five votes. The recount confirmed Lapointe as the winner by nine votes.WEB,weblink Recount gives NDP 59th seat in Quebec, Vancouver Sun, Canada, May 14, 2011, May 15, 2011, May 17, 2011,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110517001619weblink">weblink dead,
• In Winnipeg North, a recount was requested by an elector; the difference between Liberal Kevin Lamoureux, the victor, and New Democrat Rebecca Blaikie was just 45 votes,NEWS, Too close to be sure: judicial recount in Winnipeg North,weblink May 13, 2011, Canadian Press, reduced by one vote in the recount.

Opposition party leadership changes

Ignatieff announced on May 3, 2011, that he would step down as leader of the Liberal Party when it chose his successor.NEWS,weblink Ignatieff steps down as Liberal leader, National Post, Canada, May 3, 2011, May 3, 2011, August 7, 2021,weblink live, Ignatieff took a teaching position at the University of Toronto after his defeat in Etobicoke—Lakeshore. He decided to teach classes in the law faculty, the department of political science, the Munk School of Global Affairs and the School of Public Policy and Governance. Ignatieff stated that, "The life that I like the best is teaching. It's the end of my life as a politician".NEWS, Valpy, Michael, Ignatieff says U of T teaching position to mark 'end of my life as a politician',weblink May 5, 2011, The Globe and Mail, May 5, 2011, May 9, 2011,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110509051935weblink">weblink live, Bob Rae, Liberal MP for Toronto Centre and former Premier of Ontario (1990 to 1995, as a New Democrat), subsequently became interim leader of the Liberal Party, with a Liberal leadership election which took place April 14, 2013, during which Justin Trudeau was chosen as leader.Duceppe resigned as Bloc Québécois leader on election night following his defeat. Louis Plamondon, MP for Bas-Richelieu—Nicolet—Bécancour and Dean of the House, subsequently became interim parliamentary leader of the Bloc. Former MP Daniel Paillé, who lost his seat in the election, won the Bloc leadership election to succeed Duceppe on December 11, 2011."Daniel Paille new leader of Bloc Quebecois" {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130315001146weblink |date=March 15, 2013 }}. CBC News, December 11, 2011.On July 25, 2011, Jack Layton took a leave of absence to fight a newly diagnosed cancer. Nycole Turmel, former union leader and newly elected MP for Hull—Aylmer, was named interim leader of the New Democratic Party. On August 22, Layton died. Turmel became opposition leader. A leadership election was held on March 24, 2012, and Tom Mulcair was elected leader of the New Democratic Party."Mulcair victorious on fourth ballot" {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209221439weblink |date=February 9, 2017 }}. The Globe and Mail, March 24, 2012.

Controversies

The losing parties in the Berthier—Maskinongé riding claimed that the nomination papers for Ruth Ellen Brosseau, the newly elected NDP Member of Parliament for the riding, had irregularities.NEWS,weblink Liberals seek revenge on Quebec MP who won without campaigning, May 4, 2011, Allan, Woods, May 5, 2011, Toronto Star, May 8, 2011,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110508024417weblink">weblink live, Some of the alleged irregularities include writing an address instead of signing, missing signatures, people thinking they were signing a petition for the NDP to name a candidate in the riding and one person not remembering that he signed her nomination papers even though he admitted that the signature looks like his. The NDP denied the allegations. Elections Canada has insisted that Brosseau's nomination papers were legitimate.NEWS, Minsky, Amy, New MP Ruth Ellen Brosseau cleared by Elections Canada,weblink May 6, 2011, Vancouver Sun, May 6, 2011, June 29, 2016,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160629104432weblink">weblink live, Elections Canada stated that "The decision to overturn or uphold the results is at the discretion of the courts and not Elections Canada".The Liberal Party of Canada attracted controversy regarding the past racist comments and White supremacist history of one of its candidates in northern Quebec, Andre Forbes. His history as a white supremacist activist and past hate speech against Muslims, First Nations and LGBTQ+ people was uncovered by the NDP. Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff immediately removed Forbes as a candidate.WEB,weblink Claims of racism against Liberal candidate dog Ignatieff in Quebec, Metro, February 3, 2015,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20150203100031weblink">weblink February 3, 2015, dead,

Voter suppression scandal

In early 2012, there were allegations of voter suppression during the election, starting the robocall scandal. Elections Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) investigated claims that robocalls were used in an attempt to dissuade voters from casting their ballot by telling them their poll stations had changed location.NEWS,weblink Elections Canada investigating 'robocalls' that misled voters, March 18, 2012, Maher, Stephen and Glen McGregor, February 27, 2012, Ottawa Citizen, {{dead link|date=November 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} While the Elections Canada investigation initially focused on calls sent into Guelph amidst nationwide complaints, the investigation continued to expand in scope and to examine complaints in other ridings across the country. Reports of fraudulent automated or live calls targeting opposition supporters were published in 100 ridingsWEB, David P., Ball,weblink Robocall scandal by the numbers: up to 100 ridings allege election fraud, The Vancouver Observer, February 29, 2012, March 27, 2012, April 11, 2012,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20120411135912weblink">weblink live, and Elections Canada acknowledged it was investigating telephone election fraud complaints in 247 of Canada's 308 federal ridings.On March 27, 2012, the Council of Canadians announced that they had launched a lawsuit in the Federal Court of Canada to ask for by-elections to be ordered in seven ridings where complaints were received and where Conservatives had won by slim margins. The ridings named were Don Valley East, Winnipeg South Centre, Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar, Vancouver Island North, Yukon, Nipissing-Timiskaming and Elmwood-Transcona.WEB,weblink Tories go on offensive over robocalls, Vancouver Sun, March 2, 2012, March 26, 2012, March 5, 2012,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20120305034226weblink">weblink live, NEWS,weblink Robocalls: Activist group files legal challenge of results in seven ridings, March 27, 2012, Maher, Stephen and Glen McGregor, March 27, 2012, Ottawa Citizen, March 28, 2012,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20120328160241weblink">weblink live, The case was heard over two weeks starting December 9, 2012.NEWS, Campion-Smith, Bruce, Wittington, Les, Elections Canada reveals massive robo-calls probe of 2011 election,weblink December 12, 2012, The Toronto Star, November 30, 2012, December 4, 2012,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20121204112808weblink">weblink live, Justice Richard G. Mosley ruled in May 2013 that fraud had occurred in Guelph and that voting irregularities and misconduct occurred in all six of the contested ridings, but that it was not significant enough to warrant overturning the election results. The judge also ruled that the mostly likely source of the fraud was the Conservative Party of Canada's (using the CIMS database) and that there was no evidence that its use was approved by the CPC.Wingrove, Josh, (May 23, 2013) Robo-calls had minimal impact on 2011 election, court rules, upholding results {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209221233weblink |date=February 9, 2017 }}, The Globe and Mail, retrieved May 24, 2013NEWS,weblink Federal Court won't remove MPs over robocall allegations – Politics – CBC News, CBC News, May 23, 2013, May 24, 2013, May 24, 2013,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20130524025949weblink">weblink live, In April 2013, a criminal charge in the matter was laid on Michael Sona, a former Conservative staffer who was the communications officer and official Ottawa liaison for the Guelph Conservative campaign.NEWS, Guelph Conservatives felt national party influence, documents suggest,weblink Guelph Mercury, April 12, 2013, August 7, 2021,weblink live, NEWS, More robocall suspects likely, Guelph MP says,weblink Guelph Mercury, April 12, 2013, August 7, 2021,weblink live, In August 2014, he was convicted of the charge.NEWS,weblink Michael Sona guilty in robocalls trial – but 'did not likely act alone', CBC, August 15, 2014, August 14, 2014,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20140814183953weblink">weblink live,

Riding of Vaughan

In a further scandal, Elections Canada was called on to investigate the finances of Associate Minister of National Defence Julian Fantino's election finances after three former Conservative riding executives from VaughanWEB,weblink Election Fraud & Robocalls: The Case of Vaughan, 404 System Error, March 8, 2012, March 26, 2012, March 12, 2012,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20120312154457weblink">weblink live, WEB,weblink Three former Tory association members seek probe into Fantino's election finances, Canada.com, March 9, 2012, March 26, 2012, {{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} signed affidavits alleging impropriety in Fantino's 2010 and 2011 election campaigns. They alleged there was a second, secret, illegal bank account containing $300,000.NEWS,weblink Ex-Tory riding execs question Fantino's election finances – Politics – CBC News, CBC News, March 9, 2012, March 26, 2012, March 13, 2012,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20120313011311weblink">weblink live,

Commentary

In the wake of the election, pundits widely believed in a theme of major political realignment.Royce Koop, and Amanda Bittner, "Parties and Elections after 2011: The Fifth Canadian Party System?." in Amanda Bittner and Royce Koop, eds, Parties, Elections, and the Future of Canadian Politics (2013): 308-31. The Economist said, "the election represents the biggest realignment of Canadian politics since 1993."Economist May 3, 2011 Lawrence Martin, commentator for The Globe and Mail, claimed that "Harper has completed a remarkable reconstruction of a Canadian political landscape that endured for more than a century. The realignment sees both old parties of the moderate middle, the Progressive Conservatives and the Liberals, either eliminated or marginalized."NEWS, Martin, Lawrence, May 4, 2011, Harper's triumph: a realignment of historic proportion, The Globe and Mail,weblink November 9, 2011, December 16, 2011,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20111216043610weblink">weblink live, Writing for Maclean's, Andrew Coyne proclaimed "The West is in and Ontario has joined it," observing that the Conservatives achieved their majority predominantly due to strength in both Ontario and the western provinces (an electoral combination that was historically unlikely due to the low population of the latter); this, he argued, marked "the new axis of Canadian politics", and that "the Conservatives are now in a position to replace the Liberals as the natural governing party in Canada."NEWS, Coyne, Andrew, May 6, 2011, The West is in and Ontario has joined it, Maclean's,weblink November 9, 2011, September 5, 2014,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20140905192804weblink">weblink live, Books such as The Big Shift by John Ibbitson and Darrell Bricker, and Peter C. Newman's When the Gods Changed: The Death of Liberal Canada, provocatively asserted that the Liberals had become an "endangered species" and that an NDP-led opposition would mean that "fortune favours the Harper government" in subsequent campaigns.NEWS, McLeod, Paul, October 22, 2015, Book Review: The Big Shift Explains Why Stephen Harper Will Keep Winning, Buzzfeed,weblink October 22, 2015, October 23, 2015,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20151023222156weblink">weblink live, NEWS, Valpy, Michael, November 25, 2011, Is a Liberal comeback mission impossible?, The Globe and Mail,weblink October 22, 2015, March 4, 2016,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160304223625weblink">weblink live, However, the resurgence of the Liberal Party in the 2015 election has since challenged that narrative.NEWS, Nadelli, Alberto, Swann, Glenn, October 20, 2015, Three maps that explain the Liberals' great comeback in Canada's election, The Guardian,weblink October 21, 2015, October 21, 2015,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20151021134027weblink">weblink live, NEWS, Paikin, Steve, October 19, 2015, Who says Canadian politics are boring?, TVO,weblink October 21, 2011, December 22, 2015,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20151222114454weblink">weblink live,

See also

• 2011 Bloc Québécois leadership election
• Controversies in the Canadian federal election, 2011
• 2013 Liberal Party of Canada leadership election
• List of Canadian federal general elections
• List of political parties in Canada
• Newspaper endorsements in the Canadian federal election, 2011
• Results of the 2011 Canadian federal election

Notes

References

{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

Further reading

• BOOK, Pammett, Jon H., Dornan, Christopher, The Canadian Federal Election of 2011, 2011, Dundurn Press, Toronto, 978-1-4597-0182-3,
• BOOK, Argyle, Ray, Turning Points: The Campaigns That Changed Canada – 2011 and Before, 2011, Waterside Books,
• BOOK, Newman, Peter C., When the Gods Changed: The Death of Liberal Canada, 2011, Random House Canada, Toronto, 978-0-307-35828-8,

External links

{{Commons category}}

• Elections Canada
• CBC News – Canada Votes 2011
• NEWS,weblink Compare the party platforms, The Globe and Mail, Canada, April 3, 2011, April 17, 2011,

{{Canadian federal election, 2011A}}{{election canada}}{{Canelections}}