May 2005 in Canada - May 17, 2005

May 17, 2005

• British Columbia general election: After the initial count, members of the British Columbia Liberal Party are elected to 46 seats while members of the New Democratic Party of British Columbia are elected to 33 seats in the provincial Legislative Assembly. No third party or independents are elected. The referendum on electoral reform is defeated with both 42.62% of the popular vote and 2 out of 79 ridings voting against the referendum. CBC
• Conservative MP Belinda Stronach crosses the floor of the House of Commons to sit with the Liberals, two days before a crucial budget vote that could determine whether the Liberal government falls or not. (CBC)
• The Queen arrives in Regina, Saskatchewan for a royal visit that will last until May 25, celebrating the centennials of Saskatchewan and Alberta. (CBC)