Here in Canada we have lived with minority Parliaments (or “hung” Parliaments, to use the British term) since 2004, thanks to the mathematics of our party system (a re-united Right and the dominance of the Bloc in Quebec brought the governing Liberals to a 135-99 [of 308 seats] minority that year.) It was because of the minority situation the Liberals were unable to brush off a large scandal, as had been done so often when the Liberals held majority governments. The Conservatives were elected to a 124-96 minority in 2006, and have been governing since. (The 2008 election resulted in a 143-77 minority.) Minority governments can be fun to watch, but it places the parties in a mode of perpetual campaigning, lest the government fall at a moment’s notice. We have had 3 elections in the last 5 and a half years, which is draining on the electorate. Current speculation is predicting another election come the fall or next spring. The last time we had a string of minorities was the 1960s with the Diefenbaker and then Pearson governments, and many Canadians are hoping for a majority government to come out of the next campaign. Just thought I’d give my 2p worth given the experience Canadians have had with minority governments recently. If that is the result, all I can say is: enjoy the ride and I hope it will be a brief one!
