The 2011 Canadian federal election, held on May 2, 2011, was a pivotal moment in the nation's political landscape, tasked with electing the members of the House of Commons for the 41st Canadian Parliament. This particular election is often remembered as one of Canada's most significant political realignments since the landmark 1993 federal election, ushering in a dramatic shift in parliamentary power dynamics.

The Road to the Polls: Why Canada Voted in 2011

The call for an election came swiftly. On March 26, 2011, Governor General David Johnston issued the writs of election, formally beginning the campaign period. This action followed a crucial series of events in Ottawa. Prime Minister Stephen Harper had advised the Governor General to dissolve Parliament after his Conservative minority government faced a historic motion of non-confidence. This motion, passed by the House of Commons, found the government to be in contempt of Parliament – a rare and serious indictment stemming from a collective rejection of its transparency and accountability regarding spending estimates. Just days prior, the three main opposition parties – the Liberals, the New Democrats, and the Bloc Québécois – had united to reject the minority government's proposed budget, signaling an irreconcilable divide and setting the stage for the snap election.

A Shift in the Political Landscape: The Outcomes of 2011

The results of the 2011 election truly reshaped Canadian politics, delivering outcomes that defied many predictions and cemented a new parliamentary order.

Conservative Majority: A New Era for the Right

Stephen Harper's Conservative Party achieved a significant victory, not only retaining power but also successfully transforming their minority government into a strong majority. This marked a historic moment, as it was the first time since 1988 that a right-of-centre party had formed a majority government in Canada, consolidating their influence and providing a clear mandate for their agenda. Their strategic campaigning and effective messaging resonated with a broad spectrum of voters, particularly in key suburban and rural areas, allowing them to expand their seat count considerably.

The Liberal Party's Decline: A Fall from Grace

Conversely, the election proved devastating for the Liberal Party of Canada, often referred to as Canada's 'natural governing party' due to their long history of leadership. They suffered their worst electoral performance in history, winning the fewest seats ever and, for the first time, being relegated to third-party status in the House of Commons. Their leader, Michael Ignatieff, a prominent academic and former journalist, was even defeated in his own riding, a rare and deeply symbolic blow to the party's stature and leadership.

The Orange Wave: NDP's Historic Rise to Official Opposition

The New Democratic Party (NDP), under the charismatic leadership of Jack Layton, experienced an unprecedented surge in support, often dubbed the 'Orange Wave.' They secured the largest number of seats in their party's history, leapfrogging the Liberals to become the Official Opposition for the very first time. This historic breakthrough was largely fueled by a remarkable surge in Quebec, a province traditionally dominated by the Bloc Québécois and the Liberals, where Layton's personable approach and the party's progressive platform resonated strongly with voters, fundamentally altering the provincial political map.

Bloc Québécois: Losing Official Party Status

For the Bloc Québécois, a party dedicated to Quebec sovereignty, the election was a calamitous event. They lost official party status for the first time since their inception and first electoral contest in 1993, managing to retain only a handful of seats. Their long-serving leader, Gilles Duceppe, who had been a prominent figure in federal politics for decades, was defeated in his own riding, leading to his immediate resignation and prompting a profound period of introspection for the party.

Green Party's Historic Entry: Elizabeth May

Amidst these dramatic shifts, the Green Party of Canada achieved its own significant milestone. Its leader, Elizabeth May, successfully won the riding of Saanich—Gulf Islands, becoming the first-ever Green Party member to be elected to the House of Commons. This victory, while singular, represented a symbolic step forward for environmental politics on the federal stage, demonstrating the party's growing appeal and ability to break through the traditional party structure.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2011 Canadian Federal Election

What was the primary reason for the 2011 federal election?

The election was triggered when Prime Minister Stephen Harper advised the Governor General to dissolve Parliament after his minority government lost a motion of non-confidence and was found to be in contempt of Parliament by the House of Commons, following the opposition's rejection of the proposed budget.

Which party formed the government after the 2011 election?

The Conservative Party of Canada, led by Stephen Harper, formed a majority government, marking a significant increase in their parliamentary power.

What was particularly significant about the Liberal Party's performance?

The Liberal Party suffered its worst electoral defeat in history, securing the fewest seats ever and being relegated to third-party status for the first time. Their leader, Michael Ignatieff, also lost his own riding.

What was the "Orange Wave" in the context of the 2011 election?

The "Orange Wave" refers to the unprecedented surge in support for the New Democratic Party (NDP) under Jack Layton, which saw them win the largest number of seats in their history and become the Official Opposition for the first time, largely due to a major breakthrough in Quebec.

Did the Green Party win any seats in the 2011 election?

Yes, the Green Party achieved a historic milestone by electing its first-ever Member of Parliament, with party leader Elizabeth May winning the riding of Saanich—Gulf Islands.