VOTES: THE ELECTION OF 2003 Introduction

The Progressive Conservative Party bined political experience of 51 years. Focus ruled with a majority government in the McGuinty argued that the PCs had run The provincial province of Ontario since 1995. On out of ideas. He claimed they were election in Ontario was called on September 2, 2003, the 23rd premier of “tired and cynical.” He repeatedly told September 2, 2003, Ontario, PC leader Ernie Eves, called Ontarians that it was “time to choose and took place an election. Each provincial party had change.” Hampton portrayed the PCs as October 2, 2003, exactly one month, from September 2 to poor money managers, and informed ending with a October 2, to convince voters of what voters that “public power built this sweeping victory the important issues were and for whom province and public power will bring it for the . This they should be voting. The three most back!” In his own defence during the News in Review popular parties campaigning in this campaign Premier Eves said “running report examines election were the New Democratic the government is not easy, the choices the leaders of this Party (NDP), the Liberals, and the you make affect people’s lives. . . . race, the issues that Progressive Conservatives (PCs). Other Government is about making difficult were the focus of the campaigns, and parties running in the election included choices.” the campaign the Green Party and the Family Coali- The most popular issues discussed by strategies of the tion Party. October 2, 2003, was voting the party leaders during the election major political day in Ontario. were education, health care, and taxes. parties. Before it the PCs were trailing badly In terms of education the Liberals and in the polls. They had a temporary the NDP promised to cancel the private- boost in popularity with Eves’ handling school tax credit, improve early-years YV Sections marked with this of the hydro blackout in August. Eves education by lowering student-teacher symbol indicate decided to call the election in Septem- ratios, make kindergarten a full-day content suitable for ber because he didn’t want to postpone program, and reduce college and uni- younger viewers. it again. He had already put off an versity tuition fees. The PCs promised election during the spring of 2003 to give a tax credit to parents sending because of the double outbreak of their children to private schools and Definition Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome make it illegal for teachers to strike. In Privatization refers to the attempt to (SARS) in Toronto. However, just as terms of health care the Liberals and the turn public institu- the election campaign got underway, NDP promised to scrap plans for any tions such as hospi- the PC government came under attack. more privatization of the system. All tals and schools Critics charged the government with three parties promised to tackle the over to private ignoring the warnings that a Southwest- shortages of doctors and nurses in the interests. ern Ontario meat-packing plant had province. In terms of taxes the Liberals been illegally slaughtering deadstock promised a freeze so that no taxes (dead animals brought to the slaughter- would be raised or lowered, the PCs house). offered further tax cuts, and the NDP The three leaders in this race were pledged to raise taxes for those making Ernie Eves of the PC Party, Dalton over $100 000 a year. McGuinty of the Liberal Party, and The PCs used negative advertising of the NDP. They and mudslinging during the campaign. were all lawyers before they became They attempted to belittle McGuinty involved in politics and have a com- and the Liberals by saying they were

CBC News in Review • October 2003 • Page 6 “not up to the job.” The Liberals did not contributed to a win for the Liberals. Further Research retaliate as they had in the previous Over the years Ontario voters have To learn more election. Instead they remained focused tended to favour the PCs. For 42 about each party’s history, leadership, on a positive message to Ontarians straight years before 1985 and up to platform policies, throughout the campaign. The PCs did 2003, except for the Liberal and NDP campaign strate- not review their record of the past eight governments in 1985 and 1990 respec- gies, and past and years nor did they discuss at length the tively, the PCs have governed with a present election promises they had made. They chose to majority or a minority government in results visit the focus on why the public should not vote Ontario. party Web sites at www.publicpower.ca for the Liberals. The NDP was involved On October 2, 2003, the Liberal Party (NDP), www.ontario in a number of media stunts to try to won a sweeping majority, the first one liberal.on.ca/en/ draw the voters’ attention to the elec- in 60 years. This sent a clear message to (Liberals), and tion issues instead of trying to skirt the PCs: Ontarians were ready for a www.ontariopc.com them. All three leaders tried to stick change and the “Common Sense Revo- (PCs). closely to their tightly controlled scripts lution” was dead. Fourteen PC cabinet while making it clear to the public that ministers went down to defeat. Out of they weren’t paying attention to the the 103 seats in the provincial legisla- polls. They all performed well during ture the Liberals won 72, the PCs won the televised debate. No one executed 24, and the NDP won only 7, one short the “knockout punch,” but each held his of official party status. After asking own throughout the evening. It became themselves if they were better off in clear that many voters, including those 2003 than they had been eight years who had supported the PCs in the past, ago, the voters of Ontario decided they did not appreciate the negativity of the needed a different government in power PC campaign. In the end this sentiment to lead them through change.

To Consider 1. Why were health care, education, and taxes the most important issues during the campaign?

2. Based on the party promises what conclusions can you draw about the general philosophies of the three parties?

3. Why would a political party use negative advertising that was directed at the opposition?

4. Based on what you have read, how would you explain the sweeping victory that culminated in a Liberal majority government after eight years of rule under a PC government?

CBC News in Review • October 2003 • Page 7 ONTARIO VOTES: THE ELECTION OF 2003 YV Video Review

1. Explain what is meant by the comment that the outcome of the election Answer these “rearranges the politics of the country.” questions during and/or after you view the video. Remember to make a brief list of any names or terms you 2. Identify some of the PC policies that have been implemented in Ontario do not understand. over the past eight years.

Did you know . . . One of the results of the campaign of 2003 was the election of more 3. a) What is the name of the leader who first led the PCs to power in 1995? women (22 up from 17) and minorities (8 up from 3) to the b) What was his platform called? Ontario legislature?

c) List one negative and one positive aspect of this platform.

Negative ______

Positive ______

4. Why was the “” controversial?

5. a) What is the name of the leader who took over the PC Party in 2001?

b) Why did he hesitate to call an election in the spring and summer of 2003?

c) What event encouraged him to call an election in the fall of 2003?

6. Name the party that was leading in the polls at the beginning of the election.

CBC News in Review • October 2003 • Page 8 7. Describe the PC strategies during the campaign. Provide specific examples. Did you know . . . Project Frankenstein encouraged a group of 18-34- 8. Why did the PCs not highlight their party’s eight-year record during the year-old voters to 2003 election campaign? describe the type of politicians that would encourage more young people to vote? They decided that youth, 9. Describe the Liberal strategies during the campaign. Provide specific honesty and hu- examples. mour were attrac- tive qualities. What do you think?

10. What was the public’s reaction to the two very different campaign strate- gies? Explain the reasons for their reactions.

11. a) According to this video who won the leadership debate aired on televi- sion?

b) What was the main message of the winner of the debate?

12. Describe the NDP strategy during the campaign. Provide specific examples.

13. There are 103 seats in the Ontario provincial legislature. How many seats did the Liberals win?

Discussion 1. List two advantages and two drawbacks of having a majority government with as many seats as the winners of the 2003 Ontario provincial election.

2. If you had been able to vote in the 2003 Ontario election, who would have won your vote and why?

CBC News in Review • October 2003 • Page 9 ONTARIO VOTES: THE ELECTION OF 2003 YV The Leaders

Name NDP Leader Liberal Leader PC Leader Howard Hampton Dalton McGuinty Ernie Eves Howard Hamption on Dalton McGuinty on starting Ernie Eves on starting the starting the election: “Mr. the election: “We have an election: “It’s going to be a Eves, it’s time to face the important role to play in this tough fight. It’s going to be a people. But the message confederation. You and I as long haul. . . . I don’t think you will hear over the next Ontarians have been com- anybody of any party really 28 days is already clear: This missioned by history to play thought this was going to be is the end of the line for a leadership role in the a cakewalk for anybody, and you and the Conservative continuing evolution with it isn’t.” — The Globe and government.” — Toronto this country.” — Toronto Mail, September 8 Star, September 3 Star, September 14

Born May 17, 1952, in Fort July 5, 1955, in Ottawa, June 17, 1946, in Windsor, Frances, Ontario Ontario Ontario Riding Kenora-Rainy River Ottawa South Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey Family Married to fellow NDP Married to Terri for 23 Divorced. Former Ontario caucus member Shelley years, an elementary school cabinet minister Isabel Martel; two children. teacher; 4 children. Bassett is now “life partner.” Two children (one deceased). Education Political Science and Reli- Biology degree from and Law gion degree from McMaster University and degree from Osgoode Hall Dartmouth College in U.S. Law degree from University Law School at York University. Education degree from of Ottawa. University of Toronto and Law degree from University of Ottawa. Professional He taught elementary He opened a law practice He practised law, and accord- Background school and then set up a law with his brother and spe- ing to the Toronto Sun, his practice. He was also a cialized in criminal law. nickname was “The Tongue.” labour lawyer for the Cana- He was also an investment dian Labour Congress. banker.

Politics First elected to the Ontario First elected to the Ontario First elected to the Ontario Legislature in 1987, re- Legislature in 1990 in the Legislature in 1981, re- elected in 1990, 1995, 1999, seat held previously by his elected in 1985, 1987, 1990, and 2003. Served in Bob father. Won re-election in 1995, and 1999. Appointed Rae’s NDP cabinet from 1995, 1999, and 2003. He finance minister and deputy 1990-1995 as minister of won leadership of the premier by Premier Mike Source: natural resources and attor- Liberal party in 1996. His Harris in 1995. Resigned adapted ney general. He won the political position as right of February 2001, to work in from To- leadership of the NDP in centre earned him the the private sector as Cana- ronto Star, 1996. nickname “Blue Light” from dian vice president of a bank. September 3, the PCs. Chosen as PC leader March, 2003 and 2002; became premier April CBC Archives 15, 2002. Re-elected to March 15, Legislature May 2002. 2002

CBC News in Review • October 2003 • Page 10 To Consider 1. a) What would you want to know about each of your candidates in an election before you voted? Be prepared to share your answers with the class.

b) As a class compile a list of things to use as a guide for deciding on a candidate.

2. a) Besides their political careers, what other aspects of their careers do the three party leaders have in common?

b) What conclusions can you draw from your answer in 2(a)? Comment on experience, skills, and knowledge.

3. List three differences among the three leaders. Explain how these differ- ences may affect their beliefs and practices as political leaders.

4. The leader of the Liberal Party, Dalton McGuinty, won a majority govern- ment. Note two “winning qualities” from his profile that worked in his favour during the election campaign. Explain your reasoning.

5. Use the same headings in the left-hand column on the chart on the previ- ous page and develop a profile of your ideal political leader.

6. Would you be interested in a political career? Explain fully.

7. Which political leaders, living or dead, do you most admire? Why?

8. Which political leaders, living or dead, do you most dislike? Why?

9. If a friend of yours was going to become a candidate for political office, what advice would you offer? Be specific.

CBC News in Review • October 2003 • Page 11 ONTARIO VOTES: THE ELECTION OF 2003 YV The Issues

NDP PC Liberal

Public Health Care • establish 100 new commu- • hire 650 doctors over the next • increase number of nurses by nity health centres five years 8000 • end home care privatization • increase number of nurses by • establish 150 health-care teams • cancel plans for private MRI 8000 • reopen 1600 hospital beds and CT scans • provide 40 more MRI machines • end home care privatization • increase number of nurses and 50 more CT scanners • set waiting times for medical • allow internationally trained • guarantee limits on waiting care doctors to work in Ontario times for surgeries, cancer treat- • cancel plans for private MRI and ment, and MRI scans CT scans • allow internationally trained doctors to work in Ontario

Education • offer full-day programs for • give tax benefits to parents who • limit class size to no more than junior and senior kindergarten send their children to private 20 for kindergarten to grade 3 • cancel the private school tax schools • cancel the private school tax credit • make it illegal for teachers to credit • immediately restore $2.1- strike and for school boards to • enforce mandatory schooling billion to Ontario schools lock out their employees until the age of 18 or until they • create a Charter of Rights for • maintain class sizes in elemen- graduate Education, making excellent tary grades to 24.5 pupils • guarantee that 75 per cent of education a right for every • spend more than $2.3-billion to students pass the provincial Ontario student create 135 000 new student spaces standardized tests • replace the provincial testing in colleges and universities • re-create a funding formula bureaucracy with student testing that addresses the needs of each that identifies strengths and individual school needs • freeze university and college • lower university and college tuition fees for two years tuition fees by 10 per cent • implement a 10 per cent expan- • raise provincial funding for sion in post-secondary spaces universities and colleges over five years

Taxes/Finance • balance the budget • exempt seniors from the portion • balance the budget • raise provincial income taxes for of their property tax that pays for • cancel proposed PC tax cuts those making more than education • freeze taxes except for those $100 000 a year • cut $7-billion in spending over on tobacco • raise corporate taxes by $3- next 5 years • reverse $550-million in corpo- billion a year over the next four • give homeowners savings of up rate tax cuts implemented since years to $500 a year by allowing them to 2001 deduct mortgage interest from their provincial income taxes • cut corporate taxes by $3.1- billion • complete plans for further reductions in personal income taxes

CBC News in Review • October 2003 • Page 12 NDP PC Liberal

Hydro/Electricity • cancel plans for privatization • maintain the price freeze on • expand power generation at of parts of the electricity hydro rates for consumers and Niagara Falls system and roll back existing small businesses until at least 2006 • introduce programs to encour- deregulation • build up Ontario’s supply of age residents and commercial and • guarantee by law that by the clean energy institutional customers to lower year 2010 at least 10 per cent their electricity consumption and by the year 2020 at least 20 per cent of Ontario’s elec- tricity be produced by renew- able, environmentally friendly sources

Child Care • reduce child-care fees to $10 a • provide a higher benefit of up to • make 75 per cent of all house- day for children aged 18 months $1500 a year for children whose holds with children under four to five years now enrolled in parents are on social assistance eligible for assistance non-profit, regulated care • provide support directly to • make family earning $25 000 • create 20 000 new spaces for parents of children with special eligible for a daily subsidy of $15 child care needs • provide higher wages for child- care workers and educators

Analysis Complete the following activities in your notebook.

1. Take on the role of a reporter. Create three interview questions to ask a representative of each of the three political parties.

2. Carefully consider each of the party’s stances on the five major issues above. Write a paragraph explaining which party you would vote for and why.

3. Develop three general statements that describe the fundamental differ- ences of the three parties.

4. The NDP, PC, and Liberal parties appeal to various groups in society. Write down these three party names and identify the groups of people to whom each of the parties might appeal. Use evidence from the chart to support your answer.

5. If you were a leader of a political party (not the NDP, Liberal or PC parties) what would your party’s plans and promises be for each of the five major issues in the chart?

CBC News in Review • October 2003 • Page 13 Extension 1. Research the term political spectrum and study its attributes. Draw the political spectrum in the space below and place the three parties on the spectrum according to the evidence provided in the chart.

Political Spectrum

2. Review the chart and explore the three party Web sites, www.publicpower.ca (NDP), www.ontarioliberal.on.ca/en (Liberals), and www.ontariopc.com (PCs). Read their full platform on the issues men- tioned above as well as other important issues that were a part of the election such as women, labour, and the environment.

a) Identify the issue that is most important to you.

b) Name the party that, in your opinion, has the best platform on this issue.

c) Explain why this issue is important to you and comment on whether you think your point of view will change in the future.

CBC News in Review • October 2003 • Page 14 ONTARIO VOTES: THE ELECTION OF 2003 Quotation Quiz

Here is a selection of quotes recorded by journalists covering the Ontario Did you know . . . election of 2003. Either Howard Hampton (NDP), Dalton McGuinty (Liberal) or A program called Ernie Eves (PC) spoke these words. See if you can identify the correct speaker. Kids Voting Canada Consider what you know about the leaders, their parties, and their policies as organized a paral- indicated in the recent election campaign in Ontario. lel election in Ontario schools to For each quote, indicate the name of the speaker and explain why you feel it is encourage student that leader. (Answers on page 17.) interest and in- volvement in the 1. “The most important part of the election is still to come,” he said. “Any- electoral process? body who thinks that after the first period the game has been decided is Hundreds of going to lose a lot of hockey games, and lose a lot of elections too.” schools and hun- dreds of thousands Who?______Why? ______of students voted 2. “He is Robin Hood in reverse. He’s going to rob billions from essential in their own unoffi- public services that benefit everyone and hand it over to his well-off cial election. friends just to win votes.”

Who?______Why? ______3. “By doing nothing, he puts lives at risk. He rolled the dice and, again, gambled with people’s lives.”

Who?______Why? ______4. “I’m not apologizing, but I am acknowledging that it certainly went over the top.”

Who?______Why? ______5. “I’m not going to get sidetracked by that stuff. The people of Ontario want me to focus on the issues that matter to them. This is just a lot of noise.”

Who?______Why? ______6. “Why can’t we have safe drinking water? Why can’t we have clean air for our children? Why can’t we have meat that we don’t have to second guess? Why can’t we work together with our teachers for the sake of our children?”

Who?______Why? ______7. “You don’t always see the long-term effect of what you’re doing today. The roads that we’re embarking on today may not pay dividends until five or 10 years from now but it’s still your responsibility as a government to do that.”

Who?______Why? ______8. “Society is often judged, and rightly so, I believe, by not just how well we do and the progress we make . . . but we also have to be cognizant of how we treat the vulnerable in our society, who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in difficult circumstances.”

Who?______Why? ______

CBC News in Review • October 2003 • Page 15 9. “It’s an easy cop-out, I think, for a lot of individuals and companies to say, we’ll let the government do that.”

Who?______Why? ______10. “If I could stand for nothing else as premier, I would choose to stand for education.”

Who?______Why? ______11. “. . . they luxuriate in divisiveness, in pitting one group against the other. What they fail to do is understand that leadership is about ensuring that you bring people down the high road.”

Who?______Why? ______12. “This smacks of desperation on the part of Ernie Eves. I think tomorrow he is going to say if you elect a McGuinty government it is going to start raining toads in Ontario and we are all going to experience some kind of tragedies of biblical proportions. It’s just silly.”

Who?______Why? ______13. “My personal opinion is that, on certain premeditated crimes, especially with respect to children, and premeditated crimes with respect to law- enforcement officers, that the presiding judge, and/or jury, should have the ability to prescribe the death penalty when they see fit.”

Who?______Why? ______14. “The Conservative government has a gambling problem. It’s a government that has recklessly gambled with our health and safety, with our hydro- electricity system. It’s a government that has repeatedly rejected the warnings that it is putting our health at risk or that it’s putting our well- being at risk.”

Who?______Why? ______15. “Some would say it is the ‘Eves of Destruction.’ I’ll leave that up to the voters.”

Who?______Why? ______

CBC News in Review • October 2003 • Page 16

Answers

political agenda and its harmful policies for all Ontarians. all for policies harmful its and agenda political

He is speaking about the PC the about speaking is He Star. Toronto 4, September Hampton, Howard 15.

party’s health policies and his perceived neglect of health care by the PCs. the by care health of neglect perceived his and policies health party’s

He is talking about his about talking is He Star. Toronto 4, September Hampton, Howard 14.

personal opinion on endorsing the death penalty. death the endorsing on opinion personal

He is speaking about his about speaking is He Mail. and Globe The 4, September Eves, Ernie 13.

tent personal attacks on McGuinty. on attacks personal tent

promises to cut everyone’s taxes in some form or another, and Eves’ persis- Eves’ and another, or form some in taxes everyone’s cut to promises

He is talking about the PC the about talking is He Star. Toronto 5, September McGuinty, Dalton 12.

of the party’s election campaign. election party’s the of

policy on immigration in the province being included in the crime section crime the in included being province the in immigration on policy

He is speaking about the PC the about speaking is He Star. Toronto 5, September McGuinty, Dalton 11.

question “If you were premier . . .” . . premier were you “If question

He is responding to the to responding is He Star. Toronto 6, September McGuinty, Dalton 10.

by the government. the by

more things in the province and not always having services provided only provided services having always not and province the in things more

He is talking about privatizing about talking is He Star. Toronto 6, September Eves, Ernie 9.

the province’s future health care for mental health patients. health mental for care health future province’s the

He is talking about the PC plans for plans PC the about talking is He Star. Toronto 6, September Eves, Ernie 8.

the long run. long the

explaining that the role of a government is to make tough decisions for decisions tough make to is government a of role the that explaining

past eight years and many of the voters may not see that right now. He’s now. right that see not may voters the of many and years eight past

his government has laid the groundwork for a better Ontario over the over Ontario better a for groundwork the laid has government his

He is explaining to reporters that reporters to explaining is He Star. Toronto 6, September Eves, Ernie 7.

speaking in a hotel room full of Liberals going over his platform issues. platform his over going Liberals of full room hotel a in speaking

In Kingston he was he Kingston In Mail. and Globe The 13, September McGuinty, Dalton 6.

“evil reptilian kitten-eater from outer space.” outer from kitten-eater reptilian “evil

asked about the insult from the PCs in which they referred to him as a as him to referred they which in PCs the from insult the about asked

His response when response His Mail. and Globe The 13, September McGuinty, Dalton 5.

eater from space.” from eater

for the comment from his camp that McGuinty was a “evil reptilian kitten- reptilian “evil a was McGuinty that camp his from comment the for

He is apologizing is He Mail. and Globe The 13, September Saturday, Eves, Ernie 4.

inspection in the province, and as a result people’s health could be at risk. at be could health people’s result a as and province, the in inspection

Ernie Eves ignoring documents suggesting there was a problem with meat with problem a was there suggesting documents ignoring Eves Ernie

He is talking about talking is He Mail. and Globe The 12, September Hampton, Howard 3.

Ernie Eves proposed $7-billion spending cuts over the next five years. five next the over cuts spending $7-billion proposed Eves Ernie

He is talking about talking is He Mail. and Globe The 12, September Hampton, Howard 2.

the latest poll that suggests 49% Liberal, 35% PC, 12% NDP. 12% PC, 35% Liberal, 49% suggests that poll latest the

He is discounting is He Mail. and Globe The 18, September Hampton, Howard 1.

CBC News in Review • October 2003 • Page 17 ONTARIO VOTES: THE ELECTION OF 2003 YV Electoral Results

Forming the Government when he came sweeping Besides the NDP, into power, but he managed to win Liberals, and the Political parties are organized groups Progressive Con- that have their own ideas and policies votes by promising to run Ontario like a servatives, other about the best way to run a country or a business with the PC Party’s “Common parties that have province. They compete for the support Sense Revolution.” He brought about run in Ontario over of voters during an election. The goal of change quickly after being elected. the past 20 years Income taxes and welfare payments include the Com- the provincial parties is to win enough munist Party, the seats to take control of the provincial were cut, hospitals and schools were Confederation of legislature and form a government. The closed, and labour laws were repealed. Regions Party, the political party that wins the most seats Family Coalition in an election forms the new govern- 1999 Election Party, the Freedom ment. This party’s leader becomes the In 1999, four years after his first vic- Party, the Green , Premier Harris called another Party, the Ontario premier of the province, and the party Libertarian Party, that wins the second greatest number of election. The PCs had passed the Fewer and the Natural seats becomes the official opposition. Politicians Act in 1996, which brought Law Party. Its leader becomes the leader of the down the number of seats in the Legis- official opposition. lature from 130 to 103. The PCs won 59 When the party that forms the gov- seats, the Liberals won 35 seats and the Further Research ernment wins more seats in the legisla- NDP won nine. Harris became the first The Web site at Ontario premier to win two consecutive www.elections ture than all other parties combined ontario.on.ca they form a majority government. elections with a majority government provides informa- When the party that forms the govern- since 1967. The PCs continued to tion on past provin- ment wins more seats than any other implement their “Common Sense cial election results party, but does not win the majority the Revolution.” in Ontario. Candi- dates, political seats in the legislature, they form a parties, media, minority government. 2003 Election education, results On September 2, 2003, four years after and statistics, 1995 Election the last election and a number of disas- legislation, and With 130 seats in the provincial legisla- ters such as Walkerton, the closures of election finances ture the PCs won 82 seats and the schools and hospitals, Ipperwash, two are available. Liberals became the official opposition SARS outbreaks, a province-wide with 30 seats. The NDP kept only 17 of blackout, and the Aylmers Meat Pack- the 69 seats it held before election day. ers scare, the called One independent candidate was also an election. The Liberals won 72 seats, elected. Premier Mike Harris won his the PCs won 24 seats, and the NDP won seat by a huge margin of 11 000 votes. 7. Dalton McGuinty, Ontario’s 24th This election was the first time since premier, had won the first Liberal 1923 that a party went from third place majority government in 60 years. to first place in the Legislature. Shortly Since Confederation the turnout for after the election both the leader of the Ontario voters has ranged from 74.4 per NDP and the Liberals stepped down as cent of eligible voters in 1898 to a low the leaders of their parties. of 58 per cent in 1981. In elections Ontarians were not familiar with since 1985 the highest turnout of voters

CBC News in Review • October 2003 • Page 18 has been 64.4 per cent, and the lowest voters cast ballots. has been 58.3 per cent, in 1999. In the (Source: Adapted from CBC Archives) 2003 election 52 per cent of eligible Questions 1. a) Define majority and minority governments.

b) Name the party that won the 2003 Ontario provincial election and state whether they formed a majority or minority government.

2. a) Describe the popularity of each of the three parties (PC, Liberal, and NDP) from 1990 to 2003.

b) What conclusions can you draw from your answer in 2a?

3. List three reasons why people who are eligible to vote might not vote.

4. In other countries it is compulsory to vote. Do you think it should be compulsory in this country to vote? Provide reasons to support your an- swer.

5. In your opinion are voters influenced more by a political party’s platform or leader? Provide reasons to support your answer.

6. Use the model of the pie graph from the 1995 election (below) to com- plete the following questions.

a) Complete the pie graph below to represent the results of the 1999 election.

b) Complete the pie graph below to represent the results of the 2003 election.

Ontario Election 1995 Ontario Election 1999 Ontario Election 2003 NDP 13%

Lib 23%

PC 64%

130 seats in the 103 seats in the 103 seats in the provincial legislature provincial legislature provincial legislature

CBC News in Review • October 2003 • Page 19