A04 - Roundtable: Divisions in the 2019 Canadian Federal Election, and its Aftermath
Date: Jun 2 | Time: 12:00pm to 01:30pm | Location:
Divisions in the 2019 Canadian Federal Election, and its Aftermath:
Cristine de Clercy (Western University)
Brooke Jeffrey (Concordia University)
Anna Esselment (University of Waterloo)
Loleen Berhdahl (University of Saskatchewan)
Kenny Ie (University of British Columbia)
Abstract: In keeping with the conference theme, this panel examines the 2019 Canadian election as a consequence of several divisions. The election was marked by intense regional competition, along with clear philosophical divisions on key issues such as climate change and the carbon tax. The competition for federal seats in Ontario -particularly in the 905 area- was coloured by the premier’ s low popularity and the prime minister’s efforts to exploit provincial dissatisfaction. Federal-provincial division over autonomy and jurisdiction was apparent on several fronts. For example, on the brink of extinction in 2018, the return of the Bloc Québécois in 2019 was partly related to a debate over state laicity and provincial autonomy in Quebec. The battle for seats in British Columbia took place in the context of the premier's opposition to pipeline development. . In the aftermath of the election, such divisions seemed exacerbated and unity seems weaker. Western alienation is resurgent: Alberta’s premier threatened a referendum over the equalization formula if changes are not forthcoming. During the roundtable session five political scientists will consider how these philosophical divisions, policy divisions, regional differences and provincial particularities shaped the federal election campaign, and how the divisions continue in the aftermath of the vote.