In an analysis of the recent federal election, Andrew Coyne notes that this is the fifth minority outcome in the last seven elections. He argues that minority and not majority governments have become the norm over the past 20 years, and that the electoral system needs to change to reflect the fact that multiple parties are here to stay. Therefore, even if they have insufficient votes to elect an MP, small minority parties may be entitled to a voice in parliament, which the current system does not allow.

John Ibbitson takes a different perspective in another column on the same date entitled: A divided country? Actually, the federal election revealed Canada has never been more united in purpose. Arguing against the notion that Canadians are deeply divided, he suggests that, with the exception of very small fringe parties such as the PPC, Canadians—and their federal political parties–are in fact united on a number of key issues, such as child care, the environment and even government deficits.

Introduction to the article (perhaps by having everyone read it)

Many Canadians are confused about the differences between majority and minority governments, despite the fact that we have been governed by minorities after half of the last 22 elections. Students need to understand how minority governments work, what is lost or gained in these situations, and which system reflects the wishes of the most voters.

Subject Area(s) covered

Social studies, current events

New Terms to explain

Confrontational, divisive, reconciliation, axiom, codify, electoral reform

Materials Needed

Access to the articles and the Internet.

• https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/federal-election/2021-results/
• https://followmyvote.com/mixed-member-voting-systems/

Key things students can learn from this lesson

1. Basic facts about the outcome of the last federal election;
2. The basics of how minority governments work;
3. Some pros and cons of majority versus minority (or multiple party) rule.

Action (here’s how we’ll do it)

Introduce the lesson with a short discussion about the last election. Probe to discover what students know about the results and what they mean relative to the way we will be governed during this term.

Students will read the articles by Andre Coyne and John Ibbitson for background, and use the link below to guide them as they write a short essay in which they argue the merits of either of these positions: “Majorities/Minorities (choose one) provide the best government for most Canadians.”

Students will need to know that 170 or more votes are required to pass legislation in the House of Commons. Currently, the Liberals have 160. As a result, they will need the support of at least 10 opposition members to pass any legislation.

Their essay should address the following questions:

• How many seats did each of the various parties win in the last federal election?
• How many seats are required to pass legislation in the House of Commons?
• Could the Liberals alone pass legislation? If not, how many votes from opposition members would be required for the Liberal minority government to pass legislation (assuming all Liberals vote in favour)?
• On what kinds of issues do you think the NDP would support the Liberals? Do they have enough votes to tip the balance?
• On what kinds of issues would the Bloc Quebecois likely support the Liberals?
• If all the NDP supported the Liberals on a piece of legislation, would more Canadians have their views represented, and if so is this desirable?
• Five percent of voters voted for the People’s Party of Canada, yet it failed to elect any MPs to parliament. Is it fair that this group of voters have no representation in Ottawa? How might this issue be addressed through electoral reform?
• With a majority government of, say, 170 seats, the government could quickly set and pass its own agenda without any input from any other party, but those who voted for the other parties have little or no say. Do you think this is a good thing or something that needs to be changed?
• If Canadians continue to elect minority governments, do you think it would be useful to adopt a mixed member voting system as described in this link: https://followmyvote.com/mixed-member-voting-systems/?
• Finally, do you think Canada is more divided than ever or more in agreement than ever on key issues, as John Ibbitson suggests?

Consolidation of Learning

• Students share and discuss their essays in a subsequent class.

Success Criteria

Students can:

1. List basic facts about the outcome of the last federal election;
2. Describe the basics of how minority governments work;
3. Present an informed case for or against either majority or minority forms of government.

Confirming Activities

• Students report on developments in electoral reform found in social media and via news channels.

Helpful Internet Searches

• https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/federal-election/2021-results/
• https://followmyvote.com/mixed-member-voting-systems/

Activities to do together

• Talk about electoral reform with your parents.
• Talk about first-past-the-post elections for student council, and ask whether another system might be better.
• Make a point of watching at least one standard newscast on TV or via the Internet with your parents or guardians. Insist that each time you choose a new outlet. Possibilities include: Canadian: CTV, CBC, Global TV; Other: BBC, CBS, NBC, ABS, PBS.