1. Political Parties
members of political parties share a common set of beliefs
beliefs together form an ideology
left-wing, right wing ideologies are the basis of political parties

2. Left Wing Right Wing Big ideas: Equality, Progress
Example policies
health care, education, unemployment insurance, gay marriage
Big ideas: Freedom, Tradition
Example policies
lower taxes, support for business, support for military

3. Conservative Right wing One of the big two parties
supports lower taxes, less government spending, balance the budget (lower debt)

4. Liberal Centrist / left wing
Have formed the most governments in Canada’s history
Often famous for compromise (Laurier, Pearson, Trudeau)

5. NDP Left wing Historically connected to unions
Have never formed federal government

6. Green Furthest left wing Environmental issues a priority
Historically very few seats

7. Bloq Quebecois
Only runs in Quebec
Want to separate from Canada

8. Homework
Explain the differences between Canada’s major political parties in terms of policies, philosophies, and priorities. (Paragraph: words)
Choose to discuss the issues that are most important to YOU.