2008 Canadian federal election

2008 Canadian federal election
World Economic Forum / Remy Steinegger · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Election name	2008 Canadian federal election
Country	Canada
Type	parliamentary
Previous election	2006 Canadian federal election
Previous year	2006
Next election	2011 Canadian federal election
Next year	2011
Seats for election	308 seats in the House of Commons of Canada
Majority seats	155
Turnout	58.8%
Election date	October 14, 2008
Leader1	Stephen Harper
Party1	Conservative
Leaders seat1	Calgary Southwest
Last election1	124 seats, 36.3%
Seats1	143
Seat change1	+19
Popular vote1	5,209,069
Percentage1	37.7%
Swing1	+1.3%
Leader2	Stéphane Dion
Party2	Liberal
Leaders seat2	Saint-Laurent—Cartierville
Last election2	103 seats, 30.2%
Seats2	77
Seat change2	–26
Popular vote2	3,633,185
Percentage2	26.3%
Swing2	–3.9%
Leader3	Gilles Duceppe
Party3	Bloc Québécois
Leaders seat3	Laurier—Sainte-Marie
Last election3	51 seats, 10.5%
Seats3	49
Seat change3	–2
Popular vote3	1,379,991
Percentage3	10.0%
Swing3	–0.5%
Image4	150px
Leader4	Jack Layton
Party4	New Democratic Party
Leaders seat4	Toronto—Danforth
Last election4	29 seats, 17.5%
Seats4	37
Seat change4	+8
Popular vote4	2,515,288
Percentage4	18.2%
Swing4	+0.7%
Title	Prime Minister
Before election	Stephen Harper
Before party	Conservative
After election	Stephen Harper
After party	Conservative

Contents

Background
Campaign
Results
Aftermath

2008 Canadian federal election was held on October 14, 2008, to elect members to the House of Commons of Canada. The election was called by Governor General Michaëlle Jean on the advice of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who sought a stronger mandate for his Conservative minority government. The campaign was dominated by debates over economic management during the onset of the global financial crisis and the leadership of Liberal leader Stéphane Dion. Ultimately, the Conservatives increased their seat count but fell short of a majority, while the Liberals suffered significant losses.

Background

The election followed the 39th Canadian Parliament, where the Conservative Party under Stephen Harper had governed with a minority since the 2006 Canadian federal election. In September 2008, Harper visited Rideau Hall to request the dissolution of Parliament from Governor General Michaëlle Jean, arguing the minority House of Commons had become dysfunctional. This move came amidst a political crisis over the government's proposed changes to federal arts funding and its environmental policy, notably the Green Shift carbon tax plan championed by Liberal leader Stéphane Dion. The Bloc Québécois and New Democratic Party, led by Gilles Duceppe and Jack Layton respectively, were critical of the government's direction, setting the stage for a contentious campaign.

Campaign

The 37-day campaign was immediately impacted by turmoil in global financial markets, shifting focus to economic stewardship. Stephen Harper emphasized his government's record of tax cuts and initially downplayed the severity of the financial crisis, a stance later adjusted. Stéphane Dion struggled to communicate his central Green Shift policy effectively, facing criticism from opponents and internal party doubts. Televised leaders' debates in English and French saw strong performances from Jack Layton and Gilles Duceppe, who attacked both major party leaders. Notable campaign events included a dispute over CBC interview rules and controversy over remarks by Conservative candidate Pierre Lemieux regarding abortion. The Green Party, led by Elizabeth May, participated in the debates but failed to gain electoral traction.

Results

Election night on October 14 yielded a strengthened minority for the Conservatives, who won 143 seats, a gain of 19, with 37.7% of the popular vote. The Liberals under Stéphane Dion were reduced to 77 seats, their worst result in terms of seat count since 1984, capturing 26.3% of the vote. The New Democratic Party increased its seat count to 37 under Jack Layton, while the Bloc Québécois retained a strong presence in Quebec with 49 seats, a slight loss. The Green Party won no seats despite 6.8% of the national vote. Voter turnout fell to a historic low of 58.8%. Key regional results included Conservative gains in Ontario and breakthrough wins in Newfoundland and Labrador, while the Liberals lost ground in Atlantic Canada and metropolitan Toronto.

Aftermath