Another federal election is behind us, as the Liberals will lead the country with a minority government.
University of Lethbridge Department of Political Science Professor Dr. Yale Belanger notes participation at the polls was up from 2021 with 70.5 per cent in the Lethbridge region and 68.7 per cent in Canada.
In the Lethbridge riding, Rachael Thomas secured 60 per cent of the vote in this week’s federal election, which is slightly up with 56 per cent of the vote in 2021.
But what happens now with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilevre losing his seat as a Member of Parliament?
Belanger says Poilevre appears to have support post-election, as potential replacements circulate. “If he retains support following a mandatory leadership review, he will likely trigger a by-election in another riding, provided a sitting MP willingly steps down.”
There is a legal requirement for a political party leader to hold a Parliamentary seat, Belanger explains. Another MP can continue to lead the party and handle media, strategy and internal leadership duties from outside the House of Commons, until a by-election is held.
In Alberta, 63.5 per cent voted Conservative, 27.9 per cent voted Liberal and 6.3 per cent voted NDP.
With Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s recent rhetoric about the province’s separation, and depending on the polls and who you ask, 10-25 per cent of Albertans have indicated a desire to discuss separation, adds Belanger. “The number of people who voted Liberal/NDP is double that of those who are pressing for separation.”
Belanger says the Bloc dropped from 35 to 22 seats in Parliament, as Bloc Leader Yves-François Blanchet has noted Canadians want stability in Parliament and he will work with the incoming government in the short term. “The NDP is currently leaderless, suggesting it will also work closely with the Liberals to help regain equilibrium and momentum.”
According to Belanger, Mark Carney is a bridge builder, but his success will largely depend on whether the Official Opposition, the Bloc and the NDP will choose to oppose for the sake of opposing or work together. “To combat the Donald Trump threat by creating new domestic and international economic measures.”
Premier Smith, Belanger notes, is a political opportunist, “closely aligned with the more vocal elements of her UCP base.”
“Much of her current agenda seems driven by a desire to maintain power, rather than long-term policy goals. Criticizing Ottawa remains an easy and reliable tactic that consistently fuels regional resentment,” Belanger says. “I’d argue she is seeking to distract from the multiple scandals plaguing her government.”
Separation, Belanger adds, is not just a political question, but a legal, constitutional and moral one. “With Indigenous treaties being a central, non-negotiable part of the puzzle. It’s also improbable.”
“However, if we reach that stage, a province cannot unilaterally override or dissolve Treaty relationships, especially since they’re constitutionally protected,” Belanger explains. “Separation needs to be negotiated, which would demand First Nations’ consent, hence their participation.”
