Liberal Party of Canada
Parti Libéral du Canada
(Federal)

1965	1960s	1960s
1970s	1970s	1979 / 1980
1979 / 1980	1980	1984
1984	1988
1993	1993/1997	1997/1997
2006 Federal Convention	2006 Federal Convention
	Related to National Unity / Quebec Issues

LEADER / LE CHEF: Michael Ignatieff.

BRIEF HISTORY: The Clear Grits and Parti Rouge sometimes functioned as a united bloc in the legislature of the Province of Canada beginning in 1854, and a united Liberal Party combining both English and French Canadian members was formed in 1861. The federal Liberal Party was formally established in 1867 during Confederation. The Liberal Party is the only party remaining from Confederation and is Canada's oldest functioning party at the federal level. The Liberal Party held power for more years of the 20th century than did any other party in any country. Commonly nicknamed as the "Grits."

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Liberal Party (LPC) is generally a centrist party. During the Chrétien/Martin era, the Liberals championed balanced budgets and eliminated the federal deficit completely by reducing spending on some social programs and gradually introducing tax cuts. The party also legalized same-sex marriage and use of cannabis for medical purposes, and holds progressive views on other social issues like abortion. The 2006 Liberal platform advocated a national childcare program, additional low income individual and corporate tax cuts, increased military spending, reduced waiting times for medical procedures, tougher firearms laws including a total ban on handguns, improved education programs, and increased support and opportunities for seniors, immigrants and the aboriginal First Nation populations.

MAIN WEBSITE: Liberal.ca

FEDERAL PARTY PROVINCIAL & RIDING ASSOCIATIONS:

Coming Soon.