The Political Spectrum

The Political Spectrum A political spectrum is a system of classifying different political positions Origins of the terms “Right Wing” and “Left Wing” came from the seating arrangements in the French parliament after the Revolution Those who are in the middle are classified as “Centrists” or “Moderates”

Role of Government in Social Programs Concept Left Centre Right Change Unjust conditions must be changed as quickly as possible There may be things that are unjust in our society, but change does not happen overnight. We must attack the problems, but realize it may take years to bring about meaningful change. Tend to support the establishment and the status quo. Don’t want sweeping changes. Role of Government in Social Programs The government has a responsibility to care for all people, especially the less fortunate (e.g. child care programs, Medicare, etc.) Believe in searching for ways to provide for the greatest number of people based on what the country can afford. The government should not interfere in the lives of individuals. Expensive social programs should be cut. Government Ownership The government should own key industries and resources (e.g. transportation systems, natural resources). Accepts moderate government management and intervention n the economy. Business and industry should be kept in private hands and the government should be limited. Individual Rights The rights of the individual have high priority. Believe in law and order, but the rights of the individual come first. Law and order have high priority.

Political Parties A political party is an organization of people which seeks to achieve goals common to its members through the acquisition and exercise of political power

Major Federal Parties Rhéal Fortin (interim) Name Founded Ideology Leader MPs      Conservative Party of Canada Parti conservateur du Canada 2003 Conservatism, Economic liberalism Rona Ambrose (interim) 96 New Democratic Party Nouveau Parti démocratique 1961 Social democracy Thomas Mulcair 44 Liberal Party of Canada Parti libéral du Canada 1867 Liberalism, Centrism Justin Trudeau 182 Bloc Québécois 1991 Quebec sovereignty, Separatism, Social democracy Rhéal Fortin (interim) 10   Green Party of Canada Parti vert du Canada 1983 Green politics Elizabeth May 1

Major Ontario Parties Name Founded Ideology Leader MPPs   Ontario Liberal Party 1857 liberalism Kathleen Wynne 57 Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario 1854 conservatism Patrick Brown 28 Ontario New Democratic Party 1961 social democracy Andrea Horwath 20

TERMS to know Appointment of the Chief Electoral Officer The position of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) was created in 1920 by the Dominion Elections Act. The Chief Electoral Officer is appointed for a 10-year non-renewable term by a resolution of the House of Commons. He or she reports directly to Parliament and is thus completely independent of the government of the day and all political parties. He or she can be removed from office only for cause, by the Governor General after a joint request following a majority vote by the House of Commons and Senate. Mandate of the Chief Electoral Officer The Chief Electoral Officer is responsible for the administration of elections, referendums and other important aspects of our electoral system. A number of sectors make up Elections Canada, the organization that carries out the specific roles and responsibilities under the CEO's mandate

Terms to know Returning Officer In Canada, at the federal level, the returning officer of an electoral district is appointed for a ten-year term by the Chief Electoral Officer. The returning officer is responsible for handling the electoral process in the riding, and updating the National Register of Electors with current information about voters in the electoral district to which they are appointed. Before enactment of the Canada Elections Act in 2000, in the case of a tie between the two leading candidates in an election, the returning officer would cast the deciding vote. Since 2000, a tie between two leading candidates automatically results in a by-election. The provinces and territories of Canada each have their own returning officers.

Terms to know Riding In Canada, a riding is an electoral district. It is a place or geographical area that is represented in the House of Commons by a member of parliament, or in provincial and territory elections an area represented by a member of the provincial or territory legislative assembly.

LOOk up the following: Scrutiner: Official Opposition: Shadow Cabinet: