Federal election 2019

Takeaways from federal election 2019

Oct 22, 2019 | 3:45 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — With Canadians electing a minority Liberal government, what does that mean for Canada? And what does it mean for municipalities like Prince George? We talked to a local political scientist and civic politician to find out.

Though many were predicting a minority Liberal government, Dr. Gary Wilson says there were some surprises, including a resurgent Bloc Quebecois and a let down at the polls for the NDP.

When it comes to governing with a minority, Wilson says the Liberals have a few options moving forward, including trying to govern with their minority, entering into an agreement with another party – much like the confidence and supply agreement between the BC NDP and the BC Greens, or forming a coalition government with another party.

As for what the minority government means for municipalities, we asked First Vice-President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Garth Frizzell.

“Minority governments, it means that there’s opportunities, because with the many different parties having some form of authority, some form of voting power, it means that ideas, that are going to help out municipalities, may be appealing to more than just one party,” he told CKPG Today.

“It’s not simply us or them. It’s an opportunity to get ideas heard and to push harder.”