| Party | Elected | Leading | Total | Vote Share (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CON | 167 | 0 | 167 | 39.62 |
| NDP | 102 | 0 | 102 | 30.62 |
| LIB | 34 | 0 | 34 | 18.91 |
| BQ | 4 | 0 | 4 | 6.05 |
| GRN | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3.91 |
| IND | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.43 |
The Conservatives gained their much needed majority in parliament. “We are intensely aware that we are and we must be the government of all Canadians, including those who did not vote for us,” Harper addressed the country.
The New Democratic Party had huge gains in support this election. With 102 seats, they beat out the Liberals to become the official opposition. This is the first time the NDP has had such federal prominence. “You are amazing. Spring is here, my friends, and a new chapter begins,” said Layton to his supporters.
Maybe not so surprisingly the Liberals fell to third place, likely due to Michael Ignatieff’s unpopularity among Canadians. Ignatieff had spent a considerable amount of time outside of Canada teaching which lead many to question his patriotism. He resigned early this morning. “Of course they engaged in an absolutely unscrupulous campaign of personal attack,” said Ignatieff who was subjected to several attach campaigns. “But look, the only thing Canadians like less than a loser is a sore loser, and I go out of politics with my head held high.”
The Bloc Quebecois suffered enormous defeat in their home province, losing 43 seats. Even leader Gilles Duceppe failed to keep his own seat. The NDP now has a firm stronghold on this province.
The Greens also made history for electing their first member to Parliament. Leader Elizabeth May, finally captured a seat last night. Although the Greens lost much of their popular vote, by directing more of their resources to a single candidate, they managed to get one of their own in Parliament. Maybe she’ll even be included in the leaders debates next time around.
With files from the CBC
