Итоги всеобщих выборов в Канаде: «правительство меньшинства» у либералов

Abstract

The article analyzes the results of the 43rd general election in Canada. Victory was gained by the ruling Liberal Party of Canada, which could only form a ‘minority government’. As it took place, the Liberals failed to elect to the House of Commons of the Canadian Parliament even a single deputy from two Western provinces: Alberta and Saskatchewan. The Conservative Party became an official opposition. Another electoral result is the upsurge of the Bloc Québécois, which tripled its representation in the House of Commons and became the third biggest party by the number of seats, thus pushing the New Democratic Party to a fourth place. The Canadian political landscape, which changed a lot after the election, shows that Justin Trudeau’s ‘minority government’ faces two crucial challenges. First, it needs the support of the opposition to govern and pass important financial bills, thus avoiding a vote of no confidence and the fall of the cabinet. Second, it is necessary to elaborate a new understanding with Alberta and Saskatchewan where alienation from the rest of Canada on such issues as construction of pipelines and introduction of federal carbon tax is growing. The said provinces, with the conservative Premiers at the helm, and using Québec’s example, are heading for tough protection of their interests in the Canadian federation and expansion of their autonomy.