The Liberal Party of Canada (French: Parti libéral du Canada), colloquially known as the Grits, is the oldest federal political party in Canada. The party espouses the principles of liberalism, and sits between the centre and the centre-left of the Canadian political spectrum. Historically the Liberal Party has been positioned to the left of the Conservative Party of Canada and to the right of the New Democratic Party (NDP).
The party dominated federal politics for much of Canada's history, holding power for almost 69 years in the 20th century—more than any other party in a developed country—which resulted in its being sometimes referred to as Canada's "natural governing party". Over the last decade however the party has lost a significant amount of support, to the benefit of both the Conservative Party and the NDP. In the most recent federal election, held on May 2, 2011, the party had its worst showing in its history. The Liberal Party captured 19 per cent of the popular vote and won 34 seats, becoming the third-place party in the House of Commons for the first time.
On May 25, 2011, the Liberal Party caucus chose Bob Rae as their interim leader. The party is scheduled to select their next leader on April 14, 2013.
Read more about Liberal Party Of Canada: Principles and Policies, Regional Liberal Parties, Electoral History, History of Leaders, Presidents of The National Liberal Federation/Liberal Party of Canada
Famous quotes containing the words liberal, party and/or canada:
“I am not sure but I should betake myself in extremities to the liberal divinities of Greece, rather than to my country’s God. Jehovah, though with us he has acquired new attributes, is more absolute and unapproachable, but hardly more divine, than Jove. He is not so much of a gentleman, not so gracious and catholic, he does not exert so intimate and genial an influence on nature, as many a god of the Greeks.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“Fiddle-dee-dee! War, war, war. This war talk’s spoiling all the fun at every party this spring. I get so bored I could scream. Besides, there isn’t going to be any war.”
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“I see Canada as a country torn between a very northern, rather extraordinary, mystical spirit which it fears and its desire to present itself to the world as a Scotch banker.”
—Robertson Davies (b. 1913)