1. POLITICS IN CANADA EAST AND WEST

2. Political Parties: Examine the chart on p. 8 to learn more. West – Conservatives (Tories), Reform Party (Clear Grits) East – Conservatives (Parti Bleu), Clear Grits (Parti Rouge) Name Canada’s federal parties today. What do you know about them? What would you like to know about them? Work with your group and make a chart outlining everything you know about each party and want to know. Do you think it is better to have two parties to chose from or is more better?

3. A NEW CAPITAL In 1857 the Queen chose Ottawa as the capital. Why do you think this city was chosen? Let’s look at the map of Canada. What do you notice about Ottawa’s location? (hint think about what Canada looked like in 1857) Look at p. 8-9 and record the reasons listed. Answer p. 15 #2 Canada has changed a lot over the last 150 years. If you were to choose a new capital today, what would it be? Why? (Work in groups) (Debate?)

4. POLITICAL DEADLOCK TO COALITION PARTY Let’s read p. 11 together. In your own words, explain what political deadlock is. Write it down in your binder. In your own words, explain what a coalition government is. Write it down in your binder. What were the two objectives of forming this coalition government? Should governments be allowed to form coalition governments? Explain. (Debate?) Today we have more than two political parties. Are coalition governments still possible or necessary? (Consider the case of the Reform and the PC Party)

5. TEST NEXT CLASS Study: Canada’s political parties in the 1850s (chart on p. 8) Reasons why Ottawa was chosen as the capital (p. 8-9) Political deadlock (p. 11) Coalition government (p. 14)