Canadian federal election, 2006
The 39th Canadian federal election will be held on January 23, 2006. By November 2005, the Conservatives, NDP and the Bloc Quebecois agreed on a strategy to bring down the government to force and early election. Liberal leader Paul Martin, who had previously promised it would be held within 30 days after the Gomery inquiry released its final report, rejected the ultimatum by the opposition parties to change his plans - triggering a non-confidence vote on November 28th, 2005.Open Politics provides the Issues pages - you can edit them.
Open Politics facilitates deliberation - Add your position on these issues or refine positions that others have put forth.
- health care - the perennial top issue in Canada including waiting times public health care.
- Sponsorship scandal - continues to be a hindrance for the governing Liberals, and a major campaign theme of the Conservatives''
- tax cuts - the Liberals and Conservatives will debate tax cuts, others tax reform.
- education - post-secondary education and research funding are covered by federal programs.
- poverty - employment insurance, parental leave and child tax benefit are federal programs.
- environment - e.g. pollution, climate change, and loss of biodiversity; of particular concern to the Liberals due to a loss of votes to the Green Party of Canada.
- Quebec sovereignty - a.k.a. national unity, the Clarity Act and the right to secede.
- gun control - a major urban issue with rising gun violence in Toronto. Most Conservatives strongly oppose the gun registry, remembering the recent boondoggle over the costs of the program.
- NAFTA - The American's rejection of NAFTA's final ruling in Canada's favour in the U.S.-Canada softwood lumber dispute on August 10, 2005 has raised questions about if and how Canada will retaliate. The future shape of free trade or fair trade is now up for grabs globally with Martin refusing to support the FTAA without resolution.
- avian flu - concern over emergency management and public health capabilities with the threat of a flu pandemic - bolstering municipal role in emergency response and other first responder capabilities
- same sex marriage - a hot family values issues placed on the back burner but likely to re-inflame Canada
- fiscal imbalance - tax revenue streams not matching expenditures by municipal, provincial and federal levels - deconstructing the rhetoric around this issue.
- aboriginal issues - addressing poverty, development and long standing injustices.
- parliamentary reform - the Liberals are accused of "undemocratic practices" in Parliament, while the Conservatives' of fillibustering.
- energy - concern over energy supply, prices adn the gas tax.
- Senate Reform - all parties claim to want to reform the senate. The appointments of nine Senators on March 24, 2005 intensified the debate.
- electoral reform - The Conservatives promised fixed election dates and a review of our electoral system. The NDP and the Green Party support proportional representation.
- military spending - Major military purchases are being planned to upgrade outdated equipment, peacekeeping missions and supporting the war on terror have stretched the Canadian military beyond capacity.
- missile defence - The Bush administration in the United States wants Canada to openly join the missile shield program. Prime Minister Martin announced in February 2005 that Canada will spend no money, but will cooperate with the US funded plan.
related issues
ballot box question, politics as usual, strategic voting
how to engage
Follow links to election issue pages in openpolitics:
- colaborate to develop positions on the issues. learn how
- evaluate positions taken and compare policy advanced by each federal political party.
sources and resources
Elections Canada On-Line
Elections in Canada - wikipedia
The major issues that this election - wikipedia
2004 elections Results