2011 Canadian federal election

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 2011 Canadian federal election

| country = Canada

| type = parliamentary

| party_colour = no

| party_name = no

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 2008 Canadian federal election

| previous_year = 2008

| previous_mps = List of House members of the 40th Parliament of Canada

| next_election = 2015 Canadian federal election

| next_year = 2015

| elected_mps = List of House members of the 41st Parliament of Canada

| seats_for_election = 308 seats in the House of Commons
155 seats needed for a majority

| election_date = {{Start date|2011|5|2}}

| opinion_polls = Opinion polling in the Canadian federal election, 2011

| turnout = 61.1% ({{increase}} 2.3 pp)

| image_size = x160px

| image1 = {{CSS image crop|Image =Stephen Harper by Remy Steinegger Infobox.jpg|bSize = 120|cWidth = 120|cHeight = 160|oTop = 0|oLeft = 0}}

| colour1 = {{Canadian party colour|CA|Conservative|nohash}}

| leader1 = Stephen Harper

| leader_since1 = March 20, 2004

| party1 = {{Canadian party colour|CA|Conservative|name}}

| leaders_seat1 = Calgary Southwest

| last_election1 = 143 seats, 37.65%

| seats_before1 = 143

| seats1 = 166

| seat_change1 = {{increase}} 23

| popular_vote1 = 5,832,401

| percentage1 = 39.62%

| swing1 = {{increase}} 1.97 pp

| image2 = {{CSS image crop|Image =Jack Layton, Leaders Tour - Tournée du Chef - Winnipeg Rally (5628700843) (cropped).jpg|bSize = 120|cWidth = 120|cHeight = 160|oTop = 0|oLeft = 0}}

| colour2 = {{Canadian party colour|CA|NDP|nohash}}

| leader2 = Jack Layton

| party2 = {{Canadian party colour|CA|NDP|name}}

| leader_since2 = January 25, 2003

| leaders_seat2 = Toronto—Danforth

| last_election2 = 37 seats, 18.18%

| seats_before2 = 36

| seats2 = 103

| seat_change2 = {{increase}} 67

| popular_vote2 = 4,508,474

| percentage2 = 30.63%

| swing2 = {{increase}} 12.45 pp

| image3 = {{CSS image crop|Image =Victoria, BC Liberal Town Hall Forum public libéral.jpg|bSize = 120|cWidth = 120|cHeight = 160|oTop = 0|oLeft = 0}}

| colour3 = {{Canadian party colour|CA|Liberal|nohash}}

| leader3 = Michael Ignatieff

| party3 = {{Canadian party colour|CA|Liberal|name}}

| leader_since3 = May 2, 2009

| leaders_seat3 = Etobicoke—Lakeshore
(lost re-election)

| last_election3 = 77 seats, 26.26%

| seats_before3 = 77

| seats3 = 34

| seat_change3 = {{decrease}} 43

| popular_vote3 = 2,783,175

| percentage3 = 18.91%

| swing3 = {{decrease}} 7.35 pp

| image4 = Gilles Duceppe 2011-04-01 (cropped).jpg

| colour4 = {{Canadian party colour|CA|BQ|nohash}}

| leader4 = Gilles Duceppe

| party4 = {{Canadian party colour|CA|BQ|name}}

| leader_since4 = March 15, 1997

| leaders_seat4 = Laurier—Sainte-Marie
(lost re-election)

| last_election4 = 49 seats, 9.98%

| seats_before4 = 47

| seats4 = 4

| seat_change4 = {{decrease}} 43

| popular_vote4 = 889,788

| percentage4 = 6.04%

| swing4 = {{decrease}} 3.94 pp

| image5 = {{CSS image crop|Image =Elizabeth May 2a.jpg|bSize = 120|cWidth = 120|cHeight = 160|oTop = 0|oLeft = 0}}

| colour5 = {{Canadian party colour|CA|Green|nohash}}

| leader5 = Elizabeth May

| party5 = {{Canadian party colour|CA|Green|name}}

| leader_since5 = August 27, 2006

| leaders_seat5 = Saanich—Gulf Islands

| last_election5 = 0 seats, 6.78%

| seats_before5 = 0

| seats5 = 1

| seat_change5 = {{increase}} 1

| popular_vote5 = 576,221

| percentage5 = 3.91%

| swing5 = {{decrease}} 2.87 pp

| map = {{Switcher

| 400px

| Results by riding

| 400px

| Results by province and territory}}

| title = Prime Minister

| before_election = Stephen Harper

| before_party = {{Canadian party colour|CA|Conservative|name}}

| posttitle = Prime Minister after election

| after_election = Stephen Harper

| after_party = {{Canadian party colour|CA|Conservative|name}}

}}

The 2011 Canadian federal election was held on May 2, 2011, to elect members to the House of Commons of Canada of the 41st Canadian Parliament.

The writs of election for the 2011 election were issued by Governor General David Johnston on March 26. Prime Minister Stephen Harper advised the Governor General to dissolve parliament after the House of Commons passed a motion of non-confidence against the government, finding it to be in contempt of Parliament. A few days before, the three opposition parties had rejected the minority government's proposed budget.{{cite web |last=Wells |first=Paul |url=http://www.macleans.ca/2011/05/05/not-feeling-the-love/ |title=The untold story of the 2011 election: Chapter 2 |publisher=Maclean's |date=May 5, 2011 |access-date=March 19, 2012 |archive-date=April 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423195236/http://www2.macleans.ca/2011/05/05/not-feeling-the-love/ |url-status=live }}

The Conservative Party remained in power, increasing its seat count from a minority to a majority government, marking the first election since 1988 that a right-of-centre party formed a majority government. The Liberal Party, sometimes dubbed the "natural governing party", was reduced to third party status for the first time as they won the fewest seats in its history, and party leader Michael Ignatieff was defeated in his riding. The Bloc Québécois lost official party status for the first time since contesting general elections in 1993. Party leader Gilles Duceppe was defeated in his riding and subsequently resigned as leader. The New Democratic Party led by Jack Layton won the largest number of seats in its history, enabling it to form the Official Opposition for the first time in the party's history, as they made a major breakthrough in Quebec. The Green Party elected its first member to the House of Commons with its leader, Elizabeth May, becoming MP for Saanich—Gulf Islands.

To date, this is the only election in Canadian history in which the modern day Conservative Party won a majority of seats.

Background

The 2008 federal election resulted in the continuation of the incumbent Conservative minority government, headed by Stephen Harper. The 40th Parliament was marked by two controversial prorogations: the first in December 2008 which ended an attempted opposition coalition, and the second a year following, which prompted public protests. Following the first prorogation, Michael Ignatieff and the Liberal Party provided support for the government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper. On August 31, 2009, the Liberals withdrew their backing but the NDP under Jack Layton abstained and the Conservatives survived the confidence motion.{{cite news |url=https://ca.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idCATRE58T4BE20091001 |first=David |last=Ljunggren |title=Canada's government survives non-confidence motion |website=Reuters Canada |date=October 1, 2009 |access-date=November 29, 2019 |archive-date=August 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813185821/https://ca.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idCATRE58T4BE20091001 |url-status=dead }}

Ignatieff's attempt to force a September 2009 election was reported as a miscalculation, as polls showed that most Canadians did not want another election.{{cite web|title=Despite Election Rhetoric, Seven in Ten (68%) Canadians Say There's 'No Need for an Election', Majority (51%) Says County Heading in 'Right Direction', Minority (41%) 'Wrong', Ipsos|url=http://www.ipsos-na.com/news-polls/pressrelease.aspx?id=4420|publisher=Ipsos Market Research|access-date=December 18, 2011|date=June 6, 2009|archive-date=December 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111215065705/http://ipsos-na.com/news-polls/pressrelease.aspx?id=4420|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Time to make minority work|url=https://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/article/696242|work=The Star|access-date=December 17, 2011|date=September 16, 2009|archive-date=September 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090924005827/http://thestar.com/opinion/editorials/article/696242|url-status=live}} Ignatieff's popularity as well as that of the Liberals dropped off considerably immediately afterwards.{{cite news |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/story.html?id=2221709 |title=Ignatieff closing in on Dion territory |work=National Post |date=November 14, 2009}}{{dead link|date=March 2012}}

In 2011, Elections Canada laid charges against the Conservative Party, alleging contraventions of the Canada Elections Act five years earlier.{{cite press release |url=http://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=abo&dir=com/stat&document=index&lang=e |title=Canada Elections Act Charges Laid |publisher=Elections Canada |access-date=April 27, 2011 |date=February 25, 2011 |archive-date=June 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611213606/https://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=abo&dir=com%2Fstat&document=index&lang=e |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Akin |first=David |url=https://lfpress.com/news/canada/2011/02/24/17401196.html |title=PM shrugs off charges against Tories |publisher=Lfpress.com |date=February 25, 2011 |access-date=April 17, 2011 |archive-date=February 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110227152323/http://www.lfpress.com/news/canada/2011/02/24/17401196.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |first=Bruce |last=Cheadle |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/tory-election-allegations-illegal-not-administrative-prosecutor-says/article1924161/ |title=Tory election allegations 'illegal' not administrative, prosecutor says |work=The Globe and Mail |location=Canada |date=February 28, 2011 |access-date=April 17, 2011 |archive-date=March 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110304223220/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/tory-election-allegations-illegal-not-administrative-prosecutor-says/article1924161/ |url-status=live }} This issue, along with the Bloc Québécois announcing its intention to vote against the budget, unless it contained numerous changes including $2 billion in compensation to Quebec for harmonizing PST and GST and funding for a new NHL arena in Quebec City, increased the speculation that there would be an election called soon as the Conservatives rejected the Bloc demands as "blackmail".{{cite news |url=http://www.macleans.ca/2011/01/12/bloc-threatens-to-vote-against-budget/ |title=Bloc threatens to vote against budget |publisher=Maclean's |date=January 12, 2011 |access-date=April 18, 2011 |archive-date=January 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110122095833/http://www2.macleans.ca/2011/01/12/bloc-threatens-to-vote-against-budget/ |url-status=live}}

On March 9, 2011, Speaker of the House of Commons Peter Milliken ruled that Bev Oda, a minister of the Crown, and, separately, the Cabinet itself could both possibly be in contempt of parliament,{{cite news |title=PM on rulings: 'win some, lose some' |first=Laura |last=Payton |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/pm-on-rulings-win-some-lose-some-1.1033320 |newspaper=CBC News |date=March 9, 2011 |access-date=March 26, 2011 |archive-date=March 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323212231/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/03/09/pol-speaker-rulings.html |url-status=live }} the latter for its ongoing refusal to meet opposition requests for details of proposed bills and their cost estimates.{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/mps-report-finds-government-in-contempt-1.1091382 |title=MPs' report finds government in contempt |date=March 21, 2011 |publisher=CBC News |access-date=March 24, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110324122405/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/03/21/pol-privilege-contempt.html |archive-date=March 24, 2011 }} Milliken directed both matters to committee and set as the deadline for its report March 21, 2011, one day before the budget was to be tabled. The committee found the government to be in contempt of Parliament.{{cite web |url=http://www2.parl.gc.ca/content/hoc/Committee/403/PROC/Reports/RP5047570/procrp27/procrp27-e.pdf |title=Question of Privilege Relating to the Failure of the Government To Fully Provide the Documents as Ordered by the House: Report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs |access-date=April 26, 2011 |date=March 2011|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160125170006/http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?DocId=5047570&Language=&Mode=1&Parl=40&Ses=3|archive-date= 25 January 2016|url-status=dead}} The vote divided along party lines, with the governing but minority Conservative members of Parliament (MPs) opposing the finding and issuing a dissenting report. After the committee released its findings, opposition leader and head of the Liberal Party Michael Ignatieff proposed a motion of no confidence against the Crown-in-Council,{{cite news |last1=Levitz |first1=Stephanie |last2=O'Hanlon |first2=Martin |date=March 23, 2011 |title=Harper government set to fall Friday, setting stage for vote in early May |url=http://www.globaltvcalgary.com/personalities/Liberals+introduce+confidence+motion/4489986/story.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822083926/https://globalnews.ca/ |archive-date=August 22, 2019 |access-date=April 13, 2011 |work=The Canadian Press |publisher=Global News}}{{cite book |author=Government of Canada |url=http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=40&Ses=3&DocId=5072532#SOBQ-3827544 |title=40th Parliament, 3rd Session, Friday, March 25, 2011 |date=March 25, 2011 |publisher=Parlement of Canada |access-date=May 1, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402084008/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=40&Ses=3&DocId=5072532#SOBQ-3827544 |archive-date=April 2, 2011 |url-status=live}} and on March 25, 2011, the House of Commons voted on the motion, the majority agreeing, by a margin of 156 to 145, with the committee's conclusions.{{cite news |url=https://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/harper-government-topples-on-contempt-motion-triggering-may-election-1.623301 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727124820/http://winnipeg.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110325/wpg_election_110325/20110325/?hub=WinnipegHome |url-status=live |archive-date=July 27, 2011 |title= Harper government topples on contempt motion, triggering May election|first= Bruce|last=Cheadle|date=March 25, 2011 |publisher= The Canadian Press; CTV news|access-date=March 25, 2011}}{{cite news |title=Walkom: Yes, contempt of Parliament does matter |first=Thomas |last=Walkom |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/962022--walkom-yes-contempt-of-parliament-does-matter |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=March 25, 2011 |access-date=March 25, 2011 |archive-date=August 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110828113544/http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/962022--walkom-yes-contempt-of-parliament-does-matter |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Gardner |first=Dan |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/decision-canada/Gardner+going+reward+contempt+Parliament/4564215/story.html |title=Gardner: Are we going to reward contempt of Parliament? |publisher=Ottawa Citizen |date=April 8, 2011 |access-date=April 27, 2011 |archive-date=May 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110507041344/http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/decision-canada/Gardner+going+reward+contempt+Parliament/4564215/story.html |url-status=live }} A cabinet being found in contempt of parliament was without precedent in Canada or any other Commonwealth country. Earlier that week, all three opposition parties had indicated that they would oppose the government's budget; the NDP said that the concessions that the Conservatives made did not go far enough.

Campaign slogans

The parties' campaign slogans for the 2011 election:{{citation needed|date = May 2014}}

Bloc Québécois: "Parlons Québec" (Let's talk about Quebec)
Conservative Party: "Here For Canada / Ici pour le Canada". In francophone Quebec, Harper ran under the slogan "Notre région au pouvoir" (Our Region in Power).{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/inside-politics-blog/2011/04/here-for-canada-except-in-quebec.html |title=Here in Canada except in Quebec |work=CBC News |location=Canada |date=April 8, 2011 |access-date=April 8, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110412015840/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/inside-politics-blog/2011/04/here-for-canada-except-in-quebec.html |archive-date=April 12, 2011 |last1=Fitz-Morris |first1=James}}
Green Party: "It's Time" & "Canada needs Elizabeth May but only you can elect her"
Liberal Party: "Rise Up Canada" & "Change we need, from a proven team." The first one refers to Harper's contempt charge. The second one was used after the NDP's surge in the opinion polls, making reference to the fact that it has never formed a federal government.
New Democratic Party: "Working For Families / Travaillons ensemble", "You have a choice", and "That's Canadian Leadership"

Timeline

class="wikitable"
March 25, 2011	The Liberal Party's no-confidence motion passes the House 156–145, and the Prime Minister moves for the House to adjourn.{{cite news\|last=Galloway\|first=Gloria\|title=Harper government falls in historic Commons showdown\|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/harper-government-falls-in-historic-commons-showdown/article1956416/\|access-date=March 30, 2011\|newspaper=The Globe and Mail\|date=March 25, 2011\|archive-date=March 27, 2011\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110327070310/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/harper-government-falls-in-historic-commons-showdown/article1956416/\|url-status=dead}}
March 26, 2011	Governor General David Johnston agrees to dissolve the 40th Parliament following a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper.{{cite news\|last=Chase\|first=Stephen\|title=Federal election called for May 2\|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/federal-election-called-for-may-2/article1957991/\|access-date=March 30, 2011\|newspaper=The Globe and Mail\|date=March 26, 2011\|archive-date=August 12, 2011\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812161614/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/federal-election-called-for-may-2/article1957991/\|url-status=dead}}
April 12, 2011	English leaders' debate.
April 13, 2011	French leaders' debate.
April 22, 23 and 25, 2011	Advance polls open{{cite web \|url=http://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=vot&dir=faq&document=faqvoting&lang=e#a1 \|title=How do I vote FAQ \|publisher=Elections Canada \|date=April 26, 2011 \|access-date=April 29, 2011 \|archive-date=November 12, 2020 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112040905/https://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=vot&dir=faq&document=faqvoting&lang=e#a1 \|url-status=live }}
May 2, 2011	Polling Day
May 23, 2011	Return of Writs{{cite journal \|url=http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2011/2011-03-28-x1/html/si-tr33-eng.html \|title=Proclamation Issuing Election Writs \|date=March 28, 2011 \|journal=Canada Gazette, Part II \|volume=145 \|issue=1 (Extra) \|access-date=March 28, 2011 \|archive-date=September 14, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110914075424/http://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2011/2011-03-28-x1/html/si-tr33-eng.html \|url-status=live }}
June 2, 2011	41st Parliament convenes{{cite news \|url=https://ottawacitizen.com/return+Parliament+Hill+June/4792075/story.html \|title=MPs to return to Parliament Hill on June 2 \|date=May 16, 2011 \|work=Ottawa Citizen \|access-date=May 16, 2011 \|archive-date=October 19, 2012 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019071432/http://www.ottawacitizen.com/return+Parliament+Hill+June/4792075/story.html \|url-status=live }}

Issues

Category	Issue	Details
class="wikitable"
valign="top" \|rowspan = "3"\|Crime and law enforcement	Internet surveillance and warrant-less wiretapping	The Conservatives promised to re-introduce Internet surveillance legislation that they were not able to pass, and bundle it with the rest of their crime bills. They said they plan to fast track the legislation within 100 days after taking office.{{cite news \|url=http://www.techeye.net/security/canadian-conservatives-promise-big-brother-laws \|title=Canadian conservatives promise "big brother laws" – At least they are honest \|publisher=TechEye \|last1=Farrell \|first1=Nick \|date=April 11, 2011 \|access-date=April 17, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110417030205/http://www.techeye.net/security/canadian-conservatives-promise-big-brother-laws \|archive-date=April 17, 2011 \|url-status=dead }}{{cite web \|url=http://www.michaelgeist.ca/content/view/5733/125/ \|title=Michael Geist – The Conservatives Commitment to Internet Surveillance \|publisher=Michaelgeist.ca \|last1=Geist \|first1=Michael \|date=April 9, 2011 \|access-date=April 17, 2011 \|archive-date=April 17, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110417030209/http://www.michaelgeist.ca/content/view/5733/125/ \|url-status=dead}}{{cite news \| url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/electronic-snooping-bill-a-data-grab-privacy-advocates-1.827556 \| work=CBC News \| title=Electronic snooping bill a 'data grab': privacy advocates \| date=June 19, 2009 \| access-date=April 11, 2011 \|last1=Chung \|first1= Emily \| archive-date=December 2, 2010 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202071600/http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/06/19/tech-internet-communications-electronic-police-bills-surveillance-follo-privacy.html \| url-status=live }}{{cite news \|url=http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/274527 \|title=New Canadian legislation will give police greater powers \|last1=Dearing \|first1=Stephanie \|publisher=Digitaljournal.com \|date=June 21, 2009 \|access-date=April 17, 2011 \|archive-date=April 17, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110417030215/http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/274527 \|url-status=dead}}{{cite news \| url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/isps-must-help-police-snoop-on-internet-under-new-bill-1.817756 \| work=CBC News \| title=ISPs must help police snoop on internet under new bill \| date=June 18, 2009 \| access-date=April 11, 2011 \| archive-date=April 17, 2011 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110417030219/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2009/06/18/tech-internet-police-bill-intercept-electronic-communications.html \| url-status=live }}{{cite news\|first1=Matt\|last1=Hartley\|first2=Omar\|last2=El Akkad\|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/tories-seek-to-widen-police-access-online/article1187507/\|title=Tories seek to widen police access online\|work=The Globe and Mail\|date=June 18, 2009\|access-date=April 17, 2011\|archive-date=February 13, 2011\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110213034107/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/tories-seek-to-widen-police-access-online/article1187507/\|url-status=dead}}{{cite news \|last1=Metz \|first1=Cade \|title=Canadian bill forces personal data from ISPs sans warrant \|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/06/18/canada_isp_intercept_bills/ \|work=The Register \|date=June 18, 2009 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810130754/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/06/18/canada_isp_intercept_bills/ \|archive-date=August 10, 2017}}{{cite news \|last=Brown \|first=Jesse \|url=http://www.macleans.ca/2011/04/13/harpers-promise-a-warrantless-online-surveillance-state/ \|title=Harper's promise: a warrantless online surveillance state- Why 'lawful access' legislation is on its way and why that should worry you \|publisher=Maclean's \|date=April 13, 2011 \|access-date=April 17, 2011 \|archive-date=April 17, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110417030237/http://www2.macleans.ca/2011/04/13/harpers-promise-a-warrantless-online-surveillance-state/ \|url-status=live }}{{Excessive citations inline\|date=September 2023}}
valign="top" \|Long gun registry	Harper pledged to scrap the long-gun registry.{{cite news\|last=Joe Friesen and John Ibbitson\|title=Harper courts rural ridings with vow to kill gun registry\|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/harper-courts-rural-ridings-with-vow-to-kill-gun-registry/article1970912/?from=sec368\|access-date=April 4, 2011\|newspaper=The Globe and Mail\|date=April 4, 2011\|archive-date=April 8, 2011\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110408070000/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/harper-courts-rural-ridings-with-vow-to-kill-gun-registry/article1970912/?from=sec368\|url-status=dead}}
valign="top" \|Crime strategies	The Conservative platform included a promise to consolidate twelve crime bills into at least one omnibus bill and pass it within 100 days of forming a majority government. The bills included within that list would crack down on organized drug crime, end house arrest for violent criminals and establish tougher sentences and mandatory jail time for sexual offences against children.{{cite news \|url=http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/04/08/conservative-platform-harper-pledges-to-slash-4-billion-in-spending/ \|title=Conservative platform: Harper pledges to slash $4-billion in spending \|work=National Post \|date=April 8, 2011 \|access-date=April 26, 2011 \|archive-date=August 7, 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807185725/https://nationalpost.com/category/news/ \|url-status=dead }} The opposition parties claimed the crime bills were not costed fully, and the opposition parties countered that this would create a US style system of prisons.{{cite news \|url=http://www.globalnews.ca/decisioncanada/debate/index.html \|title=INTERACTIVE: Federal Election Leaders' Debate 2011 \|publisher=Global News \|date=April 13, 2011 \|access-date=May 1, 2011 \|archive-date=April 17, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110417050907/http://www.globalnews.ca/decisioncanada/debate/index.html \|url-status=live }} The Conservatives have not released the costs for expanding the prison system. The other parties state that more focus should be given on crime prevention, so that it doesn't happen in the first place. The New Democratic Party (NDP) stated that their promise to hire 2,500 more police officers to patrol the streets, will help in preventing crime from occurring in the first place.{{cite news \|url=https://vancouversun.com/news/unveils+plan+stamp+gang+violence+during+Surrey+stop/4580143/story.html \|title=NDP unveils plan to stamp out gang violence during Surrey stop \|work=The Vancouver Sun \|date=April 8, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011 }}{{Dead link\|date=August 2021 \|bot=InternetArchiveBot \|fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite news \|first=Gloria \|last=Galloway \|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/ndp-pledge-aims-to-stamp-out-gang-related-crime-at-its-source/article1974770/ \|title=NDP pledge aims to stamp out gang-related crime at its source \|work=The Globe and Mail \|date=April 7, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011 \|archive-date=April 14, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110414112439/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/ndp-pledge-aims-to-stamp-out-gang-related-crime-at-its-source/article1974770/ \|url-status=dead}}{{cite news \|url=http://www.cknw.com/Channels/Reg/NewsLocal/Story.aspx?ID=1398353 \|title=Layton vows crime crackdown \|publisher=Cknw.com \|date=April 7, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011 \|archive-date=September 26, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926233144/http://www.cknw.com/Channels/Reg/NewsLocal/Story.aspx?ID=1398353 \|url-status=dead}}{{cite news \|last=Kirkup \|first=Kristy \|url=http://www.torontosun.com/news/decision2011/2011/04/07/17905161.html \|title=NDP unveils crime policy \| Decision 2011 \| News \|newspaper=Toronto Sun \|date=April 7, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011 \|archive-date=October 2, 2012 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002172806/http://www.torontosun.com/news/decision2011/2011/04/07/17905161.html \|url-status=live }}
valign="top" \|colspan ="2"\|Defence policy	The Conservatives plan to purchase 65 F-35 Lightning II jet fighters. Stating that "Our defence policy is broken", the NDP announced that they would prioritize investment in naval ships over new fighter jets. The NDP stated that this would be a good opportunity to keep shipbuilding expertise and jobs in Canada.{{cite news \| url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ndp-prioritizes-ships-over-jets-1.1074350 \| work=CBC News \| title=NDP prioritizes ships over jets \| date=April 8, 2011 \| access-date=April 10, 2011 \| archive-date=April 9, 2011 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110409171415/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2011/04/08/cv-election-ndp-esquimalt.html \| url-status=live }}{{cite news \|last=Kirkup \|first=Kristy \|url=http://www.torontosun.com/news/decision2011/2011/04/08/17922626.html \|title=New ships not jets, say NDP \| Decision 2011 \| News \|newspaper=Toronto Sun \|date=April 8, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011 \|archive-date=April 9, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110409161430/http://www.torontosun.com/news/decision2011/2011/04/08/17922626.html \|url-status=live }}{{cite news \|first=Gloria \|last=Galloway \|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/layton-pans-tory-defence-plan-unveils-made-in-canada-alternative/article1976679/?from=sec368 \|title=Layton pans Tory defence plan, unveils made-in-Canada alternative \|work=The Globe and Mail \|date=April 8, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011 \|archive-date=October 25, 2012 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025011110/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/layton-pans-tory-defence-plan-unveils-made-in-canada-alternative/article1976679/?from=sec368 \|url-status=dead}}{{cite news \|first=Murray \|last=Brewster \|url=http://www.globalregina.com/says+replacing+navy+aging+supply+ships+would+defence+priority/4586012/story.html \|title=NDP says replacing navy's aging supply ships would be its defence priority \|publisher=Global News \|date=April 8, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011 \|archive-date=March 14, 2012 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314220700/http://www.globalregina.com/says+replacing+navy+aging+supply+ships+would+defence+priority/4586012/story.html \|url-status=live }}
valign="top" \|rowspan = "5"\|Economy and fiscal policy	Balanced budget and recession	Conservatives argued that they steered the economy through the 2008 financial crisis, and promised to eliminate the budget deficit by 2014–15.{{cite news\|url=https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/politics/Tories+kill+deficit+early/4582506/story.html \|title=Tories vow to kill deficit early \|work=National Post \|date=April 8, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011}}{{cite news \| url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/tories-vow-to-eliminate-deficit-early-1.1000691 \| work=CBC News \| title=Tories vow to eliminate deficit early \| date=April 8, 2011 \| access-date=April 14, 2011 \| archive-date=April 11, 2011 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110411105923/http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/story/2011/04/08/cv-election-day14.html \| url-status=live }} Former Prime Minister Paul Martin, campaigning for the Liberals, challenged assertions, noting that his Liberal government left a $13 billion budget surplus, before the Conservatives took power.{{cite news \|url=http://www.saultstar.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3035065 \|title=If this election's about the economy, let's hope the parties aren't stupid \|publisher=The Sault Star \|last1=Mills \|first1=Tom \|access-date=April 18, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720204142/http://www.saultstar.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3035065 \|archive-date=July 20, 2011 \|url-status=dead }}{{cite news \|url=http://www.torontosun.com/news/decision2011/2011/04/16/18015056.html \|title=Paul Martin rips Tory fiscal record \|last1=Dormer \|first1=Dave \|agency=QMI \|newspaper=Toronto Sun \|date=April 16, 2011 \|access-date=April 16, 2011 \|archive-date=October 2, 2012 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002173546/http://www.torontosun.com/news/decision2011/2011/04/16/18015056.html \|url-status=dead}} In 2010, Paul Martin had been invited to the prestigious Global ARC conference to discuss that elimination of the Canadian government deficit.{{cite web \|url=http://www.investmentreview.com/news/europe-can-learn-from-canada-john-major-paul-martin-4345 \|title=Europe Can Learn From Canada: John Major, Paul Martin \|publisher=Investmentreview.com \|date=May 19, 2010 \|access-date=May 5, 2011 \|archive-date=January 7, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110107125614/http://www.investmentreview.com/news/europe-can-learn-from-canada-john-major-paul-martin-4345 \|url-status=dead}} Martin also claimed that when he was Finance minister working under Jean Chretien, his blocking of proposed bank mergers is what actually sheltered Canada from the worst effects of the recession.{{cite news \|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-finance-mergers-idINTRE5623FR20090703 \|title=World crisis puts Canadian bank mergers out of mind \|first=Pav \|last=Jordan \|work=Reuters \|access-date=April 15, 2011 \|date=July 3, 2009 \|archive-date=January 25, 2016 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125170006/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-finance-mergers-idINTRE5623FR20090703 \|url-status=live }}{{cite news \|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110410/ap_on_re_ca/cn_harper_s_canada_remake \|title=Prime minister nudging Canada to the right – Associated Press \|first=Rob \|last=Gilles \|work=news.yahoo.com \|date=April 10, 2011 \|quote=Prime minister nudging Canada to the right \|access-date=April 15, 2011 \|archive-date=April 13, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110413175543/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110410/ap_on_re_ca/cn_harper_s_canada_remake \|url-status=live }} The New Democratic Party (NDP) released its platform promising a balanced budget in four years.{{cite news \|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ndp-to-unveil-balanced-budget-platform-1.1011904 \|title=NDP to unveil balanced budget platform \|publisher=CBC \|date=April 9, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011 \|archive-date=April 13, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110413055504/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadavotes2011/story/2011/04/09/cv-ndp-platform.html \|url-status=live }} After the NDP surge, the Liberals called the NDP platform "science fiction"{{cite news \|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ndp-platform-science-fiction-ignatieff-says-1.1041613 \|title=NDP platform 'science fiction,' Ignatieff says \|publisher=CBC \|date=April 23, 2011 \|access-date=April 29, 2011 \|archive-date=April 26, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110426021919/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2011/04/23/cv-election-saturday-campaign.html \|url-status=live }} stating it contains over $30 billion in new spending derived from sources that are not credible, and that implementing a cap and trade system that would take years to realize rather than provide the in-year contributions as claimed.
valign="top" \|Corporate tax cuts and job creation strategy	The Conservatives stated that their plan to cut corporate taxes from 16.5% to 15%, will create more jobs.{{cite news\|last=Taber\|first=Jane\|title=Ignatieff heads to Vancouver pharmacy to unveil another platform plank\|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/ignatieff-heads-to-vancouver-pharmacy-to-unveil-another-platform-plank/article1962922/\|access-date=March 30, 2011\|newspaper=The Globe and Mail\|date=March 30, 2011\|archive-date=April 1, 2011\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110401131253/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/ignatieff-heads-to-vancouver-pharmacy-to-unveil-another-platform-plank/article1962922/\|url-status=dead}} Harper stated that an increase in corporate taxes will create job losses across Canada. Layton countered by saying currently the jobs are shipped overseas, and pledged a $4,500 job creation tax credit to all businesses per new hire.{{cite news \|last=Kirkup \|first=Kristy \|url=http://www.torontosun.com/news/decision2011/2011/03/30/17804416.html \|title=Layton announces job creation measures \|newspaper=Toronto Sun \|date=March 30, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011 \|archive-date=April 7, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110407184305/http://www.torontosun.com/news/decision2011/2011/03/30/17804416.html \|url-status=live }} Layton further went to say that small business are the ones creating more jobs, thus he promised to lower the tax rate for small business from 11% to 9%. He then went on to say the big business are using the corporate tax cuts by providing their CEOs with big bonuses, and thus pledged to increase their tax rate to 19.5%.{{cite news \|url=http://money.canoe.ca/money/business/canada/archives/2011/03/20110330-143448.html \|title=NDP's small biz measures a double-edged sword \|publisher=Money.canoe.ca \|date=March 30, 2011 \|last1=Singleton \|first1=Sharon \|access-date=April 18, 2011 \|archive-url=https://archive.today/20110725173712/http://money.canoe.ca/money/business/canada/archives/2011/03/20110330-143448.html \|archive-date=July 25, 2011 \|url-status=usurped }} The Liberals on the other hand, will raise the rate to 18%, stating that it will be competitive but not excessively low.
valign="top" \|Increasing Canada Pension Plan	The NDP promised a gradual doubling of Canada Pension Plan and QPP benefits, in conjunction with the provinces, with an increase in payroll deductions of as much as 2.5 per cent.{{cite web\|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/key-election-campaign-promises-so-far-from-the-federal-parties-1.626544 \|title=Key election campaign promises so far from the federal parties \|work=CTV News \|date=April 14, 2011 \|access-date=April 29, 2011 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329144355/http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20110402/key-campaign-election-promises-040102/20110414?s_name=election2011 \|archive-date=March 29, 2012 }}
valign="top" \|HST referendum in BC	If BC voters were to reject the Harmonized Sales Tax in the upcoming referendum, the NDP promised to ensure that the penalties to be imposed by Ottawa on the HST agreement will be cancelled.{{cite news \|last=Fowlie \|first=Jonathan \|url=https://vancouversun.com/news/should+keep+money+even+scrapped+Layton/4573179/story.html \|title=B.C. should keep money even if HST is scrapped: Layton \|work=The Vancouver Sun \|date=April 7, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011 \|archive-date=July 9, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709213813/http://www.vancouversun.com/news/should+keep+money+even+scrapped+Layton/4573179/story.html \|url-status=dead}}{{cite news\|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/harper-has-ignored-health-care-problems-layton-1.1110891 \|work=CBC News \|title=Harper has ignored health-care problems: Layton \|date=April 6, 2011 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110409181753/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2011/04/06/cv-election-layton-seniors.html \|archive-date=April 9, 2011 }}{{cite news \|last=Austin \|first=Ian \|url=https://theprovince.com/Layton+courting+haters/4573708/story.html \|title=Layton courting B.C. HST haters \|publisher=Theprovince.com \|date=April 7, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011 }}{{Dead link\|date=May 2023 \|bot=InternetArchiveBot \|fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite news \|last=Kirkup \|first=Kristy \|url=http://www.torontosun.com/news/decision2011/2011/04/06/17894741.html \|title=Layton feeds off HST anger in B.C. \| Decision 2011 \| News \|newspaper=Toronto Sun \|date=April 6, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011 \|archive-date=April 9, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110409183355/http://www.torontosun.com/news/decision2011/2011/04/06/17894741.html \|url-status=live }}
valign="top" \|Personal taxation	Conservatives promised income splitting for tax purposes for families with children to be implemented once the budget is balanced in 2013.{{cite news\|last=Carrick\|first=Rob\|title=A wish list for all investors in this year's election\|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/rob-carrick/a-wish-list-for-all-investors-in-this-years-election/article1960511/\|access-date=March 30, 2011\|newspaper=The Globe and Mail\|date=March 29, 2011\|archive-date=April 2, 2011\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402042505/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/rob-carrick/a-wish-list-for-all-investors-in-this-years-election/article1960511/\|url-status=dead}}
valign="top" \|rowspan = "3"\|Electoral reform and political honesty	Political honesty	The New Democratic Party stated that both the Conservatives and the Liberals cannot be trusted. The NDP accused the Conservatives of creating "Liberal-style scandals"{{cite news \|last1=Chase \|first1=Steven \|last2=Galloway \|first2=Gloria \|last3=Taber \|first3=Jane \|title=Federal election called for May 2 \|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/federal-election-called-for-may-2/article576430/ \|access-date=August 7, 2021 \|work=The Globe and Mail \|date=March 26, 2011 \|archive-date=August 7, 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807193912/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/federal-election-called-for-may-2/article576430/ \|url-status=live }} and accused the Liberals of flip-flopping on issues such as corporate tax cuts, and the Afghanistan mission.{{cite news \| url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/layton-warns-of-tory-liberal-service-cuts-1.978418 \| work=CBC News \| title=Layton warns of Tory, Liberal service cuts \| date=April 9, 2011 \| access-date=April 26, 2011 \| archive-date=April 12, 2011 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110412004227/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadavotes2011/story/2011/04/09/cv-election-layton.html \| url-status=live }}{{cite news \| url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/968602--layton-calls-ignatieff-part-of-the-problem?bn=1 \| location=Toronto \| work=The Star \| first=Richard J. \| last=Brennan \| title=Layton calls Ignatieff 'part of the problem' \| date=April 4, 2011 \| access-date=August 25, 2017 \| archive-date=October 24, 2012 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024031412/http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/968602--layton-calls-ignatieff-part-of-the-problem?bn=1 \| url-status=live }}{{cite news \|author=Belanger, Joe \|url=https://lfpress.com/news/london/2011/04/04/17871561.html \|title=Layton slams Harper over loan dithering \| London \| News \| London Free Press \|publisher=The London Free Press \|date=April 5, 2011 \|access-date=April 17, 2011 \|archive-date=April 10, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410011436/http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2011/04/04/17871561.html \|url-status=live }} Throughout the election various polls had shown the political honesty issue to be low on the list of priorities for voters. Post-media conducted a survey that found health care, the economy, taxes and jobs all more important to Canadians. Further, half of voters identified Harper as the best suited to be Prime Minister followed by Layton with one third support and Ignatieff with less than twenty percent support. On the question of a hidden agenda, Ignatieff is viewed by three times more of those polled to have a hidden agenda than Harper.{{cite web \|url=https://vancouversun.com/news/decision-canada/Voters+connecting+dots/4668930/story.html \|title=Voters not connecting the dots \|work=The Vancouver Sun \|last1=Boswell \|first1=Randy \|date=April 25, 2011 \|access-date=May 5, 2011 \|archive-date=April 30, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430104622/http://www.vancouversun.com/news/decision-canada/Voters+connecting+dots/4668930/story.html \|url-status=dead}}
valign="top" \|Political financing	Conservatives pledged to phase-out per-vote subsidy over two years, with its eventual cancellation.
valign="top" \|Senate	Stephen Harper promised Senate reform without changing the constitution.{{cite news \|url=http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/04/25/harper-lends-support-to-ontario-candidates-facing-ndp-incumbents/ \|title=Harper pledges Senate reform, but without constitutional wrangling \|work=National Post \|date=December 22, 2010 \|access-date=April 26, 2011 \|archive-date=August 7, 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807185727/https://nationalpost.com/category/news/ \|url-status=dead }} The NDP pledged to abolish the Senate, stating it is a waste of tax revenues and a form of patronage.
valign="top" \|rowspan = "3"\|Promised government programs	Newfoundland hydroelectric project and Quebec's HST	Conservatives, New Democrats and Liberals promised $4.2 billion in loan guarantees to support the Lower Churchill River power project.{{cite news\|last=Shawn McCarthy and Steven Chase\|title=Harper to back Lower Churchill mega-project in bid for Newfoundland seats\|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/harper-to-back-lower-churchill-mega-project-in-bid-for-newfoundland-seats/article1963954/\|access-date=April 2, 2011\|newspaper=The Globe and Mail\|date=March 30, 2011\|archive-date=April 4, 2011\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110404054819/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/harper-to-back-lower-churchill-mega-project-in-bid-for-newfoundland-seats/article1963954/\|url-status=dead}} Due to outcry from Quebec over the pledge to provide loan guarantees for the Lower Churchill project, the Conservatives promise Quebec a $2.2 billion transfer to ease the Quebec Sales Tax to Harmonized Sales Tax transition.{{cite news\|last=Chase\|first=Steven\|title=Harper pledges to settle multibillion-dollar HST feud with Quebec\|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/harper-pledges-to-settle-multibillion-dollar-hst-feud-with-quebec/article1967422/\|access-date=April 1, 2011\|newspaper=The Globe and Mail\|date=April 1, 2011\|archive-date=April 7, 2011\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110407122547/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/harper-pledges-to-settle-multibillion-dollar-hst-feud-with-quebec/article1967422/\|url-status=dead}}
valign="top" \|Post-secondary education	Liberals promised a "Learning Passport" for high school students seeking post-secondary education.{{cite press release \|url=http://www.liberal.ca/newsroom/news-release/michael-ignatieff-announces-canadian-learning-passport/ \|title=Michael Ignatieff announces Canadian Learning Passport \|publisher=Liberal.ca \|date=March 29, 2011 \|access-date=April 25, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110503222627/http://www.liberal.ca/newsroom/news-release/michael-ignatieff-announces-canadian-learning-passport/ \|archive-date=May 3, 2011 \|url-status=dead }} The NDP's plan is to reduce the tuition fees, by increasing transfer payments to the Provinces.
valign="top" \|Immigration Fairness Commissioner	Liberals proposed the establishment of an "Immigration Fairness Commissioner" to provide oversight on the entry of immigrants with professional qualifications (doctors, engineers, etc.), and to increase the number of family reunification visas.{{cite news\|last=Taber\|first=Jane\|title=Ignatieff calls for immigration 'fairness commissioner'\|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/ignatieff-calls-for-immigration-fairness-commissioner/article1962566/\|access-date=March 30, 2011\|newspaper=The Globe and Mail\|date=March 29, 2011\|archive-date=April 1, 2011\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110401100936/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/ignatieff-calls-for-immigration-fairness-commissioner/article1962566/\|url-status=dead}}
valign="top" \|colspan = "2"\|Health care	The NDP pledged to train 1,200 more doctors and 6,000 more nurses.{{cite news\|last=Galloway\|first=Gloria\|title=NDP goes big with health-care ads, accusing Harper of neglect\|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/ndp-goes-big-with-health-care-ads-accusing-harper-of-neglect/article1961859/\|access-date=March 30, 2011\|newspaper=The Globe and Mail\|date=March 29, 2011\|archive-date=April 2, 2011\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402071316/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/ndp-goes-big-with-health-care-ads-accusing-harper-of-neglect/article1961859/\|url-status=dead}}{{cite news \|last=Kirkup \|first=Kristy \|url=http://www.torontosun.com/news/decision2011/2011/04/06/17901376.html \|title=Future of health care hinges on election: Layton \| Decision 2011 \| News \|newspaper=Toronto Sun \|date=April 6, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011 \|archive-date=April 10, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410135916/http://www.torontosun.com/news/decision2011/2011/04/06/17901376.html \|url-status=live }}{{cite news\|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/layton-warns-canadians-about-harper-s-health-care-1.627964 \|title=Layton warns Canadians about Harper's health care \|work=CTV News \|agency=The Canadian Press \|date=April 6, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329145902/http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/SpecialEvent7/20110406/layton-health-care-110406/ \|archive-date=March 29, 2012 }}{{cite news \|first=Gloria \|last=Galloway \|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/tories-will-let-health-care-fail-layton-warns-as-he-rolls-out-plan-in-bc/article1973270/ \|title=Tories will let health care fail, Layton warns as he rolls out plan in B.C. \|work=The Globe and Mail \|date=April 6, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011 \|archive-date=April 11, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110411211312/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/tories-will-let-health-care-fail-layton-warns-as-he-rolls-out-plan-in-bc/article1973270/ \|url-status=dead}}{{cite news \| url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/970078--canada-s-health-care-system-in-jeopardy-under-conservatives-layton?bn=1 \| location=Toronto \| work=The Star \| first=Richard J. \| last=Brennan \| title=They may be New Democrats but old policies hurt profile \| date=April 6, 2011 \| access-date=August 25, 2017 \| archive-date=October 24, 2012 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024031438/http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/970078--canada-s-health-care-system-in-jeopardy-under-conservatives-layton?bn=1 \| url-status=live }} All parties promised to continue to increase healthcare transfers to provinces by 6% annually.
valign="top" \|rowspan = "2"\|Government regulations	Improved internet and usage based billing	The New Democratic Party (NDP) promised a ban on all forms of usage based billing by ISPs, and enshrine net neutrality in law, which would prevent bandwidth throttling. The Liberals promised net neutrality as well as "functional separation" with regards to usage based billing as well as enshrining net neutrality in law, which would prevent bandwidth throttling.{{Cite news \|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/liberals-target-faster-rural-internet-service-1.1085926 \|title=Liberals target faster rural internet service \|author=CBC News \|publisher=CBC \|date=April 6, 2011 \|access-date=April 6, 2011 \|archive-date=December 13, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111213194305/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadavotes2011/story/2011/04/06/cv-election-lib-rural.html \|url-status=live }}{{Cite news \|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/extra-billing-for-internet-use-a-ripoff-ndp-1.1035293 \|title=Extra billing for internet use a 'ripoff': NDP \|author=CBC News \|publisher=CBC \|date=January 20, 2011 \|access-date=April 6, 2011 \|archive-date=November 9, 2012 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109063916/http://www.cbc.ca/news/story/2011/01/20/consumer-internet-ndp.html \|url-status=live}} Almost all of the established parties, with the exception of the Conservatives, outlined policies that they claim will improve Canadian Internet access.{{Cite news \|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/platforms-pro-internet-except-conservative-report-1.1126296 \|title=Platforms pro-internet, except Conservative: report \|author=CBC News \|publisher=CBC \|date=April 28, 2011 \|access-date=April 29, 2011 \|archive-date=April 30, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430074155/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadavotes2011/story/2011/04/28/technology-internet-election-digital-platforms.html \|url-status=live }}
valign="top" \|Cap on credit card interest rates	The NDP promised to cap credit card rates at five percentage points above the Bank of Canada's prime interest rate.{{cite news\|last=Galloway\|first=Gloria\|title=Layton vows to cap credit-card rates\|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/layton-vows-to-cap-credit-card-rates/article1961191/\|access-date=March 29, 2011\|newspaper=The Globe and Mail\|date=March 29, 2011\|archive-date=April 2, 2011\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402041206/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/layton-vows-to-cap-credit-card-rates/article1961191/\|url-status=dead}}

Election campaign

=Controversies and gaffes=

A number of controversies took place during the election campaign.

=Leaders' debates=

The English- and French-language debates took place on April 12 and 13 respectively.{{cite news |first1=Daniel |last1=Leblanc |first2=Simon |last2=Houpt |first3=Steve |last3=Ladurantaye |title=Broadcasters rule out one-on-one debate between Harper and Ignatieff, confirm May's exclusion |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/broadcasters-rule-out-one-on-one-debate-between-harper-and-ignatieff-confirm-mays-exclusion/article1964414/ |access-date=March 31, 2011 |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |date=March 30, 2011 |archive-date=April 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110403012704/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/broadcasters-rule-out-one-on-one-debate-between-harper-and-ignatieff-confirm-mays-exclusion/article1964414/ |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/leaders-french-debate-bumped-by-nhl-playoffs-1.1061040 |title=How Canadian: NHL trumps debate |work=CBC News |last1=Fitz-Morris |first1=James |date=April 10, 2011 |access-date=April 13, 2011 |archive-date=April 13, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110413053623/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadavotes2011/story/2011/04/10/cv-election-debats-duceppe.html |url-status=live }}

On March 29, the consortium of broadcasters playing host to the debates (the CBC, CTV, Global, Radio-Canada and TVA) announced that it would only invite the leaders of the four recognized parties in the House of Commons, namely, the Conservative Party, the Liberal Party, the Bloc Québécois and the New Democratic (NDP). Therefore, the Green Party was excluded, despite earning 6.8 per cent of the popular vote in the 2008 federal election.{{Cite news |last=Burgmann |first=Tamsyn |title=Green's Elizabeth May will fight broadcasters' decision to ditch her from debate |work=Winnipeg Free Press |agency=The Canadian Press |date=March 29, 2011 |url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/breakingnews/greens-elizabeth-may-will-fight-broadcasters-decision-to-ditch-her-from-debate-118927234.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423092719/https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/breakingnews/greens-elizabeth-may-will-fight-broadcasters-decision-to-ditch-her-from-debate-118927234.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 23, 2023 |access-date=March 30, 2011 }}{{Cite news|title=Debate over May diverts campaign Harper pushes lower corporate taxes, Layton would raise them, Ignatieff would add to CPP |newspaper=CBC News |date=March 30, 2011 |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/debate-over-may-diverts-campaign-1.1105297 |access-date=March 30, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402050359/http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/story/2011/03/30/cv-election.html |archive-date=April 2, 2011 }}{{Cite news |last1=Pynn |first1=Larry |last2=Minsky |first2=Amy |title=Greens' Elizabeth May, determined to enter debate, prepares legal action |newspaper=Vancouver Sun and Postmedia News |date=March 30, 2011 |url=https://vancouversun.com/news/Greens+Elizabeth+determined+enter+debate+prepares+legal+action/4529114/story.html |access-date=March 30, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110401124131/http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Greens+Elizabeth+determined+enter+debate+prepares+legal+action/4529114/story.html |archive-date=April 1, 2011 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |last=Leblanc |first=Daniel |title=Elizabeth May excluded from election debates |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/elizabeth-may-excluded-from-election-debates/article1962085/ |access-date=March 30, 2011 |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |date=March 30, 2011 |archive-date=April 1, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110401100846/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/elizabeth-may-excluded-from-election-debates/article1962085/ |url-status=dead}}

On March 30, Stephen Harper challenged Michael Ignatieff to a one-on-one televised debate.{{cite news |first1=Steven |last1=Chase |first2=Gloria |last2=Galloway |first3=Jane |last3=Taber |title=Harper and Ignatieff game for head-to-head debate |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/harper-and-ignatieff-game-for-head-to-head-debate/article1963435/ |access-date=March 30, 2011 |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |date=March 30, 2011 |archive-date=April 1, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110401100931/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/harper-and-ignatieff-game-for-head-to-head-debate/article1963435/ |url-status=dead}} Although Ignatieff accepted the challenge, this was opposed by the other opposition parties. The idea was later rejected by the broadcast consortium and cancelled.

On April 1, comedian Rick Mercer suggested over Twitter hosting a one-on-one debate between Stephen Harper and Michael Ignatieff at Toronto's Massey Hall. He later added he would donate $50,000 to the charities of their choosing if they were willing to participate. Ignatieff immediately accepted the challenge and named the Alzheimer Society as his charity of choice, as his mother succumbed to Alzheimer's disease in 1992. Harper did not respond to the challenge.{{cite news |title=Ignatieff accepts Rick Mercer debate offer |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ignatieff-accepts-rick-mercer-debate-offer-1.1084566 |access-date=April 4, 2011 |date=April 2, 2011 |agency=CBC |work=CBC News |archive-date=April 5, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405140442/http://www.cbc.ca/news/offbeat/story/2011/04/02/mercer-ignatieff-harper-cv-election.html |url-status=live }}

In an interview with The Globe and Mail published on April 1, Troy Reeb, the broadcast consortium chairman, discussed the process behind setting up the leaders' debates and the rationale for various decisions made, including the decision to exclude the Green Party's leader Elizabeth May.{{cite news |last=Ladurantaye |first=Steve |title=Why the TV consortium excluded Elizabeth May |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/why-the-tv-consortium-excluded-elizabeth-may/article1966583/ |access-date=April 5, 2011 |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |date=April 1, 2011 |archive-date=April 5, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405002145/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/why-the-tv-consortium-excluded-elizabeth-may/article1966583/ |url-status=dead}}

On April 5, the Federal Court rejected the Green Party's request for an expedited hearing on the matter prior to the scheduled debates.{{cite news |title=Judge denies Elizabeth May's bid to join leaders' debates |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/judge-denies-elizabeth-mays-bid-to-join-leaders-debates/article1971474/ |access-date=April 5, 2011 |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |date=April 5, 2011 |agency=The Canadian Press |archive-date=April 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110408063724/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/judge-denies-elizabeth-mays-bid-to-join-leaders-debates/article1971474/ |url-status=dead}}

On April 10, the date of the French leaders debate was changed from April 14 to 13 due to worries of broadcasting conflicts with the NHL playoffs scheduled for April 14. Also on April 10, Elizabeth May participated in a panel interview on CHCH-TV in Hamilton, which she was invited to attend, as were the leaders of the Bloc, Liberals, New Democrats and Conservatives, by Channel Zero, whose president was disappointed by May's exclusion from the leaders' debates.{{cite news |title=CHCH-TV to Broadcast "Elizabeth May, For the Record" Live this Sunday, April 10, 2011 – 8pm ET |url=http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2011/08/c2709.html |access-date=April 10, 2011 |publisher=CNW Group |date=April 8, 2011 |agency=CNW |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120905142548/http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2011/08/c2709.html |archive-date=September 5, 2012 |url-status=dead }}

=Small parties public forum=

A joint press conference and public forum was staged by 11 of the 18 registered parties and one unregistered party on April 23, 2011, at York University. Forum organizers invited the leaders from all registered political parties who do not have seats in parliament.{{cite news |first=Anna |last=Di Carlo |url=http://www.cpcml.ca/Tmld2011/D41062.htm |title=The Marxist-Leninist Daily |publisher=Cpcml.ca |date=April 18, 2011 |access-date=May 14, 2011 |archive-date=May 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110503161615/http://cpcml.ca/Tmld2011/D41062.htm |url-status=live }} Parties were able to explain their platforms and responded to questions from the audience. As a forum, the goal was an inter-party discussion of major issues, however some debate did occur.

Participants in the forum were the Animal Alliance Environmental Voters, the Canadian Action Party, the Christian Heritage Party, the Communist Party, the First Peoples National, the Libertarian Party, the Marijuana Party, the Marxist–Leninist Party, the Rhinoceros Party, and the Pirate Party.

Green Party leader Elizabeth May refused to participate in the forum claiming they are not one of "the small, fringe parties".{{cite news |title=Green Party snubs fringe debate |work=National Post |location=Canada |first=Adrian |last=Humphreys |url=http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/04/05/green-party-snubs-fringe-debate/ |date=April 5, 2011 |access-date=April 9, 2011 |archive-date=August 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807185729/https://nationalpost.com/category/news/ |url-status=dead }}

Opinion polls

{{Main|Opinion polling for the 2011 Canadian federal election|Opinion polling for the 2011 Canadian federal election by constituency}}

{{Canadian federal election opinion polling|2008|2011|2015|2019|2021|byCon2=yes|byCon3=yes|byCon4=yes|byCon5=yes}}

File:2011FederalElectionPolls.png

=New Democratic Party surge=

In the week before the leaders debate, on April 8, a poll showed the New Democratic Party (NDP) support at 13.2%.{{cite journal |first=Richard J. |last=Brennan |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/972241--ndp-fortunes-falling-fast-in-latest-poll |title=NDP fortunes falling fast in latest poll |journal=Toronto Star |date=April 9, 2011 |access-date=April 25, 2011 |archive-date=October 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024031459/http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/972241--ndp-fortunes-falling-fast-in-latest-poll |url-status=live }}{{cite news|first=Gloria |last=Galloway |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/though-chips-look-down-laytons-eager-to-ante-up-for-debates/article1978060 |title=Layton remains game despite polls showing he's the odd man out |work=The Globe and Mail |date=April 8, 2011 |access-date=April 25, 2011}}

A reversal of fortune began on April 16, when an Angus Reid poll indicated a tie in support for the NDP and the Liberals, both polling at 25%.{{cite news |first=Joanna |last=Smith |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/976225 |title=NDP moves into tie with Liberals: Poll |work=Toronto Star |date=April 13, 2011 |access-date=April 18, 2011 |location=Toronto |archive-date=May 1, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501223620/http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/976225 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/canada-politics-idUSN1822211320110418 |title=Canada's NDP pushes for bigger place in election sun |publisher=Reuters |date=February 14, 2011 |access-date=April 18, 2011 |first=Randall |last=Palmer |archive-date=January 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104200923/http://www.reuters.com/article/canada-politics-idUSN1822211320110418 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/layton-sees-growing-quebec-support-targets-liberals-1.1076764 |title=Layton sees growing Quebec support, targets Liberals |work=CBC News |date=April 18, 2011 |access-date=April 18, 2011 |archive-date=April 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130417162852/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadavotes2011/story/2011/04/18/cv-election-layton-quebec-812.html |url-status=live }} The New Democrats' poll numbers then moved significantly ahead of the Liberals and slightly or moderately behind the Conservatives.{{cite news |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/poll-shows-ndp-liberals-in-statistical-tie-1.634836 |title=Poll shows NDP, Liberals in statistical tie |work=CTV News |date=April 22, 2011 |access-date=April 22, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110426112552/http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20110422/federal-election-campaign-poll-day-28-110422/20110422?s_name=election2011 |archive-date=April 26, 2011 }}{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/surging-ndp-support-changes-campaign-dynamic-1.1101061 |title=Surging NDP support changes campaign dynamic |work=CBC News |date=April 21, 2011 |access-date=April 22, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110424072809/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadavotes2011/story/2011/04/21/cv-election-ndp-quebec-803.html |archive-date=April 24, 2011 }}{{cite news|url=http://www.harrisdecima.ca/news/releases/201104/1160-conservatives-lead-five-ndp-surges-past-liberals|title=Conservatives Lead By Five; NDP Surges Past Liberals|publisher=Harris/Decima|date=April 28, 2011|access-date=April 28, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430224105/http://www.harrisdecima.ca/news/releases/201104/1160-conservatives-lead-five-ndp-surges-past-liberals|archive-date=April 30, 2011|url-status=dead}}

The surge began in Quebec, with the NDP surprising many observers by surpassing the previously front-running Bloc in Quebec. In the entirety of Canada, the NDP surged past the Liberals to take the second place behind the Conservatives; in Quebec, the NDP took first place.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/canada-us-politics-ekos-idCATRE73O5UR20110425 |title=NDP surges to strong second place in poll |publisher=Reuters |date=April 25, 2011 |access-date=April 25, 2011 |first=Janet |last=Guttsman |archive-date=January 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104200922/http://www.reuters.com/article/canada-us-politics-ekos-idCATRE73O5UR20110425 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url = http://www.ekospolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/full_report_april_21_2011.pdf|title = NDP Breakout Continues As Everyone Else Spins Wheels|access-date = April 23, 2011|last = EKOS|date = April 2011|archive-date = December 4, 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201204103935/https://www.ekospolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/full_report_april_21_2011.pdf|url-status = dead}} The NDP surge became the dominant narrative of the last week of the campaign, as other parties turned their attacks on the party.{{cite news |url=https://vancouversun.com/news/decision-canada/surge+dominates+talk+federal+campaign+trail/4685960/story.html |title=NDP surge dominates talk on federal campaign trail |last1=Cohen |first1=Tobi |last2=Raj |first2=Althia |last3=Kennedy |first3=Mark |work=Vancouver Sun|date=April 27, 2011 |access-date=April 27, 2011 |archive-date=May 2, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110502043910/http://www.vancouversun.com/news/decision-canada/surge+dominates+talk+federal+campaign+trail/4685960/story.html |url-status=dead}} Ruth Ellen Brosseau, the NDP candidate in Berthier—Maskinongé, won despite not running a campaign, barely speaking French at this time{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2011/04/28/in_frenchspeaking_riding_ndp_candidate_speaks_little_french.html |title=In French-speaking riding, NDP candidate speaks little French |first1=Chung |last1=Andrew |work=Toronto Star |date=April 28, 2011 |access-date=April 25, 2015 |archive-date=January 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125170004/http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2011/04/28/in_frenchspeaking_riding_ndp_candidate_speaks_little_french.html |url-status=live }} and being on holiday in Las Vegas at the time of the election. The NDP's rise in popularity was nicknamed "Orange Crush", an allusion to the soft drink with the same name and the party's colour.{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/inside-politics-blog/2011/08/remembering-jack-layton.html|title=Remembering Jack Layton|publisher=CBC News|first=Laura|last=Payton|quote=The NDP's surging popularity, especially in Quebec, during the last election came to be known as the Orange Crush.|date=August 22, 2011|access-date=August 12, 2013|archive-date=June 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619151636/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/inside-politics-blog/2011/08/remembering-jack-layton.html|url-status=live}} It was also nicknamed the "Orange Wave".{{Cite news|title=The decline and fall of the NDP in Quebec |language=en-US|work=CBC News |last1=Montpetit |first1=Jonathan |date=August 26, 2019 |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/ndp-new-democrat-jagmeet-singh-quebec-1.5336302|access-date=2021-01-11|archive-date=July 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706210651/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/ndp-new-democrat-jagmeet-singh-quebec-1.5336302|url-status=live}}

Election spending

Pre-campaign, there are no limits to what a political party, candidate, or third party can spend — spending rules are only in force once the writ is dropped and the campaign has officially begun.

class="wikitable" \|+ Spending limits for the 2011 federal election ! !! Spending Limit !! Notes
Political Parties	$21,025,793.23	If full slate of 308 candidates.
Party Candidates (Average electoral district)	$28,244,498.50 ($91,702.92)	If full slate of 308 candidates. Each electoral district is subject to specific spending limits according to population and density.{{Cite web \|url=http://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=pol&document=index&dir=limits%2Flimitcan&lang=e \|title = Final Election Expenses Limits for Candidates 43rd General Election – October 21, 2019 – Elections Canada \|access-date=August 7, 2021 \|archive-date=January 25, 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125212631/https://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=pol&document=index&dir=limits%2Flimitcan&lang=e \|url-status=live }} The limits for candidates varied from $69,635 in the electoral district of Malpeque, Prince Edward Island, to $134,352 in Oak Ridges–Markham, Ontario.{{Cite web \|url=http://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=res&dir=ces&document=part6&lang=e \|title = Elections Canada Online {{!}} The Electoral System of Canada \|access-date=August 2, 2015 \|archive-date=August 20, 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150820005709/http://elections.ca/content.aspx?section=res&dir=ces&document=part6&lang=e \|url-status=live }}
Third Parties (corporations, unions, special interest groups, etc.)	$150,000	Election advertising expenses limit. Of that amount, no more than $3,000 can be incurred to promote or oppose the election of one or more candidates in a particular electoral district.{{Cite web \|url=http://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=pol&document=index&dir=thi%2Flimits&lang=e \|title = Elections Canada Online {{!}} Third Party Election Advertising Expenses Limits \|access-date=August 7, 2021 \|archive-date=July 18, 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150718060744/http://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=pol&document=index&dir=thi%2Flimits&lang=e \|url-status=live }}

class="wikitable" \|+ Election spending during the 2011 federal election{{Cite web \|url=http://www.punditsguide.ca/parties.php?elec=26 \|title = Browse Parties -- 2011 General Election ›› Pundits' Guide \|access-date=August 2, 2015 \|archive-date=August 25, 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825203414/http://www.punditsguide.ca/parties.php?elec=26 \|url-status=live }}Bold text ! Party !! Total Spending (% of limit)!! Party Election Spending (% of limit)!! Total Candidate Spending (% of limit)!! # Candidates Spending > 75% of Candidate Limit !! # Candidates Spending > 50% of Candidate Limit
Conservative	$39,175,131 (80%)	$19,519,995 (93%)	$19,655,136 (70%)	173	228
NDP	$27,490,193 (56%)	$20,372,231 (97%)	$7,117,962 (25%)	44	70
Liberal	$34,025,109 (69%)	$19,507,746 (93%)	$14,517,363 (41%)	91	169

Endorsements

{{main|Newspaper endorsements in the Canadian federal election, 2011}}

Most major newspapers endorsed the Conservatives, and none solely endorsed the Liberals or Greens. Canada's highest circulated newspaper, the Toronto Star, endorsed the NDP but also advised readers to vote against the Conservatives.

Candidates by party

Articles on parties' candidates for the 41st election:

| style="vertical-align:top; width:33%;"|

Results

{{Main|Results of the 2011 Canadian federal election|Results of the 2011 Canadian federal election by riding}}

File:2011 Canadian parliament.svg

File:Canada 2011 Federal Election.svg

File:2011 Canadian General Election Gallagher Index.svg, mainly between the Conservatives and NDP on the one hand, and the Liberal, BQ and Green parties on the other.]]

{{election table||Summary of the May 2, 2011 House of Commons of Canada election results}}

|- style="text-align:center;background-color:#e9e9e9"

! rowspan="2" colspan="2" style="text-align:left;" | Party

! rowspan="2" style="text-align:left;" | Party leader

! rowspan="2" style="font-size:80%;" | Candidates

! colspan="5" | Seats

! colspan="4" | Popular vote

|- style="text-align:center;background-color:#e9e9e9"

| 2008

| style="font-size:80%" | Dissol.

| 2011

| style="font-size:80%" | % Change

| % seats

| #

| style="font-size:80%" | # Change

| %

| style="font-size:80%" | pp Change

| style="text-align:left;" | Stephen Harper

| 307 || 143 || 143 || 166 || +16.08% || 53.90% || 5,835,270 || +626,201 || 39.63% || +1.98pp

| style="text-align:left;" | Jack Layton

| 308 || 37 || 36 || 103 || +178.38% || 33.44% || 4,512,411 || +1,997,123 || 30.65% || +12.47pp

| style="text-align:left;" | Michael Ignatieff

| 308¹ || 77 || 77 || 34 || −42.86% || 11.04% || 2,783,076 || −850,109 || 18.90% || −7.36pp

| style="text-align:left;" | Gilles Duceppe

| 75 || 49 || 47 || 4 || −91.84% || 1.30% || 891,425 || −488,566 || 6.05% || −3.92pp

| style="text-align:left;" | Elizabeth May

| 304 || — || — || 1 || {{Abbr|n/a|Not applicable}} || 0.32% || 572,095 || −365,518 || 3.89% || −2.89pp

| colspan=2 style="text-align:left;" |Independent and No Affiliation

| 61 || 2 || 2 || — || −100% || — || 72,861 || −21,983 || 0.49% || −0.19pp

{{Canadian party colour/Temporary|CA|Christian Heritage|row-name}}

| style="text-align:left;" | James Hnatiuk

| 46 || — || — || — || — || — || 18,910 || −7,565 || 0.13% || −0.06pp

| style="text-align:left;" |Anna Di Carlo

| 70 || — || — || — || — || — || 9,925 || +1,360 || 0.07% || +0.01pp

| style="text-align:left;" |Dennis Young

| 23 || — || — || — || — || — || 6,002 || −1,298 || 0.04% || −0.01pp

{{Canadian party colour/Temporary|CA|Progressive Canadian|row-name}}

| style="text-align:left;" | Sinclair Stevens

| 9 || — || — || — || — || — || 5,790 || −70 || 0.04% || —

{{Canadian party colour/Temporary|CA|Rhinoceros|row-name}}²

| style="text-align:left;" | François Gourd

| 14 || — || — || — || — || — || 3,800 || +1,678 || 0.03% || +0.01pp

| style="text-align:left;" | Mikkel Paulson

| 10 || * || — || — || * || — || 3,197 || * || 0.02% || *

| style="text-align:left;" | Miguel Figueroa

| 20 || — || — || — || — || — || 2,894 || −678 || 0.02% || −0.01pp

| style="text-align:left;" | Christopher Porter

| 12 || — || — || — || — || — || 1,951 || −1,504 || 0.01% || −0.01pp

| style="text-align:left;" | Blair Longley

| 5 || — || — || — || — || — || 1,756 || −542 || 0.01% || —

| style="text-align:left;" | Liz White

| 7 || — || — || — || — || — || 1,344 || +817 || 0.01% || +0.01pp

| style="text-align:left;" | Doug Christie

| 4 || — || — || — || — || — || 751 || +326 || 0.01% || —

| style="text-align:left;" |Brian Jedan

| 3 || * || — || — || * || — || 293 || * || 0.00% || *

| style="text-align:left;" | Will Morin

| 1 || — || — || — || — || — || 229 || −1,382 || 0.00% || −0.01pp

| colspan=4 style="text-align:left;" | Vacant

| 3

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="7" |

|- style="background-color:#e9e9e9;"

! style="text-align:left;" colspan="3" | Total

! 1,587

! 308

! ±0.0%

! 100.0%

! 14,723,980

! +886,286

! 100%

| style="text-align:left;" colspan="13" | Source: [https://www.elections.ca/scripts/ovr2011/default.html Elections Canada]

:1. André Forbes of Manicouagan was nominated as a Liberal, but lost party support after being nominated, and continued to run as an independent; he is listed here as a Liberal rather than an independent, as he was listed as a Liberal on the ballot.{{cite web |url=http://www.thespec.com/news/canada/article/515531--booted-liberal-candidate-still-in-the-race |title=Booted Liberal candidate still in the race |publisher=TheSpec.com |agency=The Canadian Press |date=April 11, 2011 |access-date=April 13, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110816151838/http://www.thespec.com/news/canada/article/515531--booted-liberal-candidate-still-in-the-race |archive-date=August 16, 2011}}{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/controversial-quebec-liberal-to-remain-in-race-1.1063211 |title=Controversial Quebec Liberal to remain in race |work=CBC News |date=April 11, 2011 |access-date=April 12, 2011 |last1=Payton |first1=Laura |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112030728/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/controversial-quebec-liberal-to-remain-in-race-1.1063211 |url-status=live }}

:2. The Rhinoceros Party contested the previous federal election under the name Neorhino.ca.

:3. People's Political Power Party of Canada failed to run candidates in the 2011 election and was deregistered by Elections Canada on April 13, 2011.{{cite press release|title=Deregistration of People's Political Power Party of Canada|date=April 13, 2011|url=http://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=med&document=apr1311b&dir=pre&lang=e|publisher=Elections Canada|access-date=April 13, 2011|archive-date=October 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025001449/https://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=med&document=apr1311b&dir=pre&lang=e|url-status=live}}

The voter turnout was 61.1%.{{cite web|last=Pomfret|first=R.|title=Voter Turnout at Federal Elections and Referendums|url=http://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=ele&dir=turn&document=index&lang=e|work=Elections Canada Online|publisher=Elections Canada|access-date=February 10, 2012|archive-date=September 28, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100928015827/http://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=ele&dir=turn&document=index&lang=e|url-status=live}}

rowspan="2" colspan="2"\|Party !rowspan="2"\|2008 !colspan="9" align="center"\|Gain from (loss to) !rowspan="2"\|2011
class="wikitable" style="text-align:right;" \|+ Elections to the 41st Parliament of Canada – seats won/lost by party, 2008–2011
{{Canadian party colour\|CA\|Conservative\|background}} colspan="2" align="center"\|Con \| {{Canadian party colour\|CA\|NDP\|background}} colspan="2" align="center"\|NDP \| {{Canadian party colour\|CA\|Liberal\|background}} colspan="2" align="center"\|Lib \| {{Canadian party colour\|CA\|BQ\|background}} align="center"\|BQ \| {{Canadian party colour\|CA\|Green\|background}} align="center"\|Grn \| {{Canadian party colour\|CA\|Independent\|background}} align="center"\|Ind
{{Canadian party colour/Temporary\|CA\|Conservative\|row-name}} \|143			2	(6)	27			(1)	1	166
{{Canadian party colour/Temporary\|CA\|NDP\|row-name}} \|37	6	(2)			17	(1)	45		1	103
{{Canadian party colour/Temporary\|CA\|Liberal\|row-name}} \|77		(27)	1	(17)						34
{{Canadian party colour/Temporary\|CA\|BQ\|row-name}} \|49				(45)						4
{{Canadian party colour/Temporary\|CA\|Green\|row-name}} \|–	1									1
{{Canadian party colour/Temporary\|CA\|Independent\|row-name}} \|2		(1)		(1)						–
colspan=2 align="left"\|Total	308	7	(30)	3	(69)	44	(1)	45	(1)	2	308

class="wikitable" style="text-align:right;" \|+ Resulting composition of the 41st Parliament of Canada !colspan="2" rowspan="2"\| Source !!colspan="6"\|Party
{{Canadian party colour\|CA\|Conservative\|background}} align="center" \|Con \|{{Canadian party colour\|CA\|NDP\|background}} align="center" \|NDP \|{{Canadian party colour\|CA\|Liberal\|background}} align="center" \|Lib \|{{Canadian party colour\|CA\|BQ\|background}} align="center" \|BQ \|{{Canadian party colour\|CA\|Green\|background}} align="center" \|Grn !Total
rowspan="3" style="text-align:left;"\|Seats retained	style="text-align:left;"\|Incumbents returned	128	33	31	3		195
style="text-align:left;"\|Open seats held	8	1	2	1		12
style="text-align:left;"\|Ouster of incumbents changing affiliation	1					1
rowspan="4" style="text-align:left;"\|Seats changing hands	style="text-align:left;"\|Incumbents defeated	26	61			1	88
style="text-align:left;"\|Open seats gained	1	7				8
style="text-align:left;"\|Byelection gains held	2		1			3
style="text-align:left;"\|Ouster of 3rd-party byelection gain		1				1
colspan="2" style="text-align:left;"\|Total	166	103	34	4	1	308

{{Bar box

|title=Popular vote

|titlebar=#ddd

|width=600px

|barwidth=410px

|bars=

{{Bar percent|Conservative|{{Canadian party colour|CA|Conservative}}|39.62}}

{{Bar percent|New Democratic|{{Canadian party colour|CA|NDP}}|30.63}}

{{Bar percent|Liberal|{{Canadian party colour|CA|Liberal}}|18.91}}

{{Bar percent|Bloc Québécois|{{Canadian party colour|CA|BQ}}|6.04}}

{{Bar percent|Green|{{Canadian party colour|CA|Green}}|3.91}}

{{Bar percent|Others|{{Canadian party colour|CA|Inde}}|0.89}}

}}

{{Bar box

|title=Seat totals

|titlebar=#ddd

|width=600px

|barwidth=410px

|bars=

{{Bar percent|Conservative|{{Canadian party colour|CA|Conservative}}|53.90}}

{{Bar percent|New Democratic|{{Canadian party colour|CA|NDP}}|33.44}}

{{Bar percent|Liberal|{{Canadian party colour|CA|Liberal}}|11.04}}

{{Bar percent|Bloc Québécois|{{Canadian party colour|CA|BQ}}|1.30}}

{{Bar percent|Green|{{Canadian party colour|CA|Green}}|0.32}}

}}

=Results by province=

class="wikitable"
style="text-align:center;" colspan="3"\|Party name ! style="text-align:center;"\|BC ! style="text-align:center;"\|AB ! style="text-align:center;"\|SK ! style="text-align:center;"\|MB ! style="text-align:center;"\|ON ! style="text-align:center;"\|QC ! style="text-align:center;"\|NB ! style="text-align:center;"\|NS ! style="text-align:center;"\|PE ! style="text-align:center;"\|NL ! style="text-align:center;"\|YT ! style="text-align:center;"\|NT ! style="text-align:center;"\|NU ! style="text-align:center;"\|Total
{{Canadian party colour\|CA\|Conservative\|background}} rowspan="2" \| \| rowspan="2"\|Conservative \| Seats: \| style="text-align:right;"\|21 \| style="text-align:right;"\|27 \| style="text-align:right;"\|13 \| style="text-align:right;"\|11 \| style="text-align:right;"\|73 \| style="text-align:right;"\|5 \| style="text-align:right;"\|8 \| style="text-align:right;"\|4 \| style="text-align:right;"\|1 \| style="text-align:right;"\|1 \| style="text-align:right;"\|1 \| style="text-align:right;"\|0 \| style="text-align:right;"\|1 \| style="text-align:right;"\|166
Vote: \| style="text-align:right;"\|45.5 \| style="text-align:right;"\|66.8 \| style="text-align:right;"\|56.3 \| style="text-align:right;"\|53.5 \| style="text-align:right;"\|44.4 \| style="text-align:right;"\|16.5 \| style="text-align:right;"\|43.9 \| style="text-align:right;"\|36.7 \| style="text-align:right;"\|41.2 \| style="text-align:right;"\|28.4 \| style="text-align:right;"\|33.8 \| style="text-align:right;"\|32.1 \| style="text-align:right;"\|49.9 \| style="text-align:right;"\|39.6
{{Canadian party colour\|CA\|NDP\|background}} rowspan="2" \| \| rowspan="2"\|New Democratic \| Seats: \| style="text-align:right;"\|12 \| style="text-align:right;"\|1 \| style="text-align:right;"\|0 \| style="text-align:right;"\|2 \| style="text-align:right;"\|22 \| style="text-align:right;"\|59 \| style="text-align:right;"\|1 \| style="text-align:right;"\|3 \| style="text-align:right;"\|0 \| style="text-align:right;"\|2 \| style="text-align:right;"\|0 \| style="text-align:right;"\|1 \| style="text-align:right;"\|0 \| style="text-align:right;"\|103
Vote: \| style="text-align:right;"\|32.5 \| style="text-align:right;"\|16.8 \| style="text-align:right;"\|32.3 \| style="text-align:right;"\|25.8 \| style="text-align:right;"\|25.6 \| style="text-align:right;"\|42.9 \| style="text-align:right;"\|29.8 \| style="text-align:right;"\|30.3 \| style="text-align:right;"\|15.4 \| style="text-align:right;"\|32.6 \| style="text-align:right;"\|14.4 \| style="text-align:right;"\|45.8 \| style="text-align:right;"\|19.4 \| style="text-align:right;"\|30.6
{{Canadian party colour\|CA\|Liberal\|background}} rowspan="2" \| \| rowspan="2"\|Liberal \| Seats: \| style="text-align:right;"\|2 \| style="text-align:right;"\|0 \| style="text-align:right;"\|1 \| style="text-align:right;"\|1 \| style="text-align:right;"\|11 \| style="text-align:right;"\|7 \| style="text-align:right;"\|1 \| style="text-align:right;"\|4 \| style="text-align:right;"\|3 \| style="text-align:right;"\|4 \| style="text-align:right;"\|0 \| style="text-align:right;"\|0 \| style="text-align:right;"\|0 \| style="text-align:right;"\|34
Vote: \| style="text-align:right;"\|13.4 \| style="text-align:right;"\|9.3 \| style="text-align:right;"\|8.6 \| style="text-align:right;"\|16.6 \| style="text-align:right;"\|25.3 \| style="text-align:right;"\|14.2 \| style="text-align:right;"\|22.6 \| style="text-align:right;"\|28.9 \| style="text-align:right;"\|41.0 \| style="text-align:right;"\|37.9 \| style="text-align:right;"\|33.0 \| style="text-align:right;"\|18.4 \| style="text-align:right;"\|28.6 \| style="text-align:right;"\|18.9
{{Canadian party colour\|CA\|BQ\|background}} rowspan="2" \| \| rowspan="2"\|Bloc Québécois \| Seats: \| colspan="5" rowspan="2" {{n/a}} \| style="text-align:right;"\|4 \| colspan="7" rowspan="2" {{n/a}} \| style="text-align:right;"\|4
Vote: \| style="text-align:right;"\|23.4 \| style="text-align:right;"\|6.0
{{Canadian party colour\|CA\|Green\|background}} rowspan="2" \| \| rowspan="2"\|Green \| Seats: \| style="text-align:right;"\|1 \| style="text-align:right;"\|0 \| style="text-align:right;"\|0 \| style="text-align:right;"\|0 \| style="text-align:right;"\|0 \| style="text-align:right;"\|0 \| style="text-align:right;"\|0 \| style="text-align:right;"\|0 \| style="text-align:right;"\|0 \| style="text-align:right;"\|0 \| style="text-align:right;"\|0 \| style="text-align:right;"\|0 \| style="text-align:right;"\|0 \| style="text-align:right;"\|1
Vote: \| style="text-align:right;"\|7.7 \| style="text-align:right;"\|5.3 \| style="text-align:right;"\|2.7 \| style="text-align:right;"\|3.6 \| style="text-align:right;"\|3.8 \| style="text-align:right;"\|2.1 \| style="text-align:right;"\|3.2 \| style="text-align:right;"\|4.0 \| style="text-align:right;"\|2.4 \| style="text-align:right;"\|0.9 \| style="text-align:right;"\|18.9 \| style="text-align:right;"\|3.1 \| style="text-align:right;"\|2.1 \| style="text-align:right;"\|3.9
{{Canadian party colour\|CA\|Independent\|background}}\| \| Independent and no affiliation \| Vote: \| style="text-align:right;"\|0.2 \| style="text-align:right;"\|1.3 \| style="text-align:right;"\|0.2 \| style="text-align:right;"\|0.1 \| style="text-align:right;"\|0.2 \| style="text-align:right;"\|0.6 \| style="text-align:right;"\|0.5 \| style="text-align:right;"\| \| style="text-align:right;"\| \| style="text-align:right;"\|0.3 \| style="text-align:right;"\| \| style="text-align:right;"\| \| style="text-align:right;"\| \| style="text-align:right;"\|0.4
! colspan="2" \|Total seats ! style="text-align:right;"\|36 ! style="text-align:right;"\|28 ! style="text-align:right;"\|14 ! style="text-align:right;"\|14 ! style="text-align:right;"\|106 ! style="text-align:right;"\|75 ! style="text-align:right;"\|10 ! style="text-align:right;"\|11 ! style="text-align:right;"\|4 ! style="text-align:right;"\|7 ! style="text-align:right;"\|1 ! style="text-align:right;"\|1 ! style="text-align:right;"\|1 ! style="text-align:right;"\|308

class="wikitable"

style="text-align:center;" colspan="3"|Party name

! style="text-align:center;"|BC

! style="text-align:center;"|AB

! style="text-align:center;"|SK

! style="text-align:center;"|MB

! style="text-align:center;"|ON

! style="text-align:center;"|QC

! style="text-align:center;"|NB

! style="text-align:center;"|NS

! style="text-align:center;"|PE

! style="text-align:center;"|NL

! style="text-align:center;"|YT

! style="text-align:center;"|NT

! style="text-align:center;"|NU

! style="text-align:center;"|Total

{{Canadian party colour|CA|Conservative|background}} rowspan="2" |

| rowspan="2"|Conservative

| Seats:

| style="text-align:right;"|21

| style="text-align:right;"|27

| style="text-align:right;"|13

| style="text-align:right;"|11

| style="text-align:right;"|73

| style="text-align:right;"|5

| style="text-align:right;"|8

| style="text-align:right;"|4

| style="text-align:right;"|1

| style="text-align:right;"|0

| style="text-align:right;"|1

| style="text-align:right;"|166

Vote:

| style="text-align:right;"|45.5

| style="text-align:right;"|66.8

| style="text-align:right;"|56.3

| style="text-align:right;"|53.5

| style="text-align:right;"|44.4

| style="text-align:right;"|16.5

| style="text-align:right;"|43.9

| style="text-align:right;"|36.7

| style="text-align:right;"|41.2

| style="text-align:right;"|28.4

| style="text-align:right;"|33.8

| style="text-align:right;"|32.1

| style="text-align:right;"|49.9

| style="text-align:right;"|39.6

{{Canadian party colour|CA|NDP|background}} rowspan="2" |

| rowspan="2"|New Democratic

| Seats:

| style="text-align:right;"|12

| style="text-align:right;"|1

| style="text-align:right;"|0

| style="text-align:right;"|2

| style="text-align:right;"|22

| style="text-align:right;"|59

| style="text-align:right;"|1

| style="text-align:right;"|3

| style="text-align:right;"|0

| style="text-align:right;"|2

| style="text-align:right;"|0

| style="text-align:right;"|1

| style="text-align:right;"|0

| style="text-align:right;"|103

Vote:

| style="text-align:right;"|32.5

| style="text-align:right;"|16.8

| style="text-align:right;"|32.3

| style="text-align:right;"|25.8

| style="text-align:right;"|25.6

| style="text-align:right;"|42.9

| style="text-align:right;"|29.8

| style="text-align:right;"|30.3

| style="text-align:right;"|15.4

| style="text-align:right;"|32.6

| style="text-align:right;"|14.4

| style="text-align:right;"|45.8

| style="text-align:right;"|19.4

| style="text-align:right;"|30.6

{{Canadian party colour|CA|Liberal|background}} rowspan="2" |

| rowspan="2"|Liberal

| Seats:

| style="text-align:right;"|2

| style="text-align:right;"|0

| style="text-align:right;"|1

| style="text-align:right;"|11

| style="text-align:right;"|7

| style="text-align:right;"|1

| style="text-align:right;"|4

| style="text-align:right;"|3

| style="text-align:right;"|4

| style="text-align:right;"|0

| style="text-align:right;"|34

Vote:

| style="text-align:right;"|13.4

| style="text-align:right;"|9.3

| style="text-align:right;"|8.6

| style="text-align:right;"|16.6

| style="text-align:right;"|25.3

| style="text-align:right;"|14.2

| style="text-align:right;"|22.6

| style="text-align:right;"|28.9

| style="text-align:right;"|41.0

| style="text-align:right;"|37.9

| style="text-align:right;"|33.0

| style="text-align:right;"|18.4

| style="text-align:right;"|28.6

| style="text-align:right;"|18.9

{{Canadian party colour|CA|BQ|background}} rowspan="2" |

| rowspan="2"|Bloc Québécois

| Seats:

| colspan="5" rowspan="2" {{n/a}}

| style="text-align:right;"|4

| colspan="7" rowspan="2" {{n/a}}

| style="text-align:right;"|4

Vote:

| style="text-align:right;"|23.4

| style="text-align:right;"|6.0

{{Canadian party colour|CA|Green|background}} rowspan="2" |

| rowspan="2"|Green

| Seats:

| style="text-align:right;"|1

| style="text-align:right;"|0

| style="text-align:right;"|1

Vote:

| style="text-align:right;"|7.7

| style="text-align:right;"|5.3

| style="text-align:right;"|2.7

| style="text-align:right;"|3.6

| style="text-align:right;"|3.8

| style="text-align:right;"|2.1

| style="text-align:right;"|3.2

| style="text-align:right;"|4.0

| style="text-align:right;"|2.4

| style="text-align:right;"|0.9

| style="text-align:right;"|18.9

| style="text-align:right;"|3.1

| style="text-align:right;"|2.1

| style="text-align:right;"|3.9

{{Canadian party colour|CA|Independent|background}}|

| Independent and no affiliation

| Vote:

| style="text-align:right;"|0.2

| style="text-align:right;"|1.3

| style="text-align:right;"|0.2

| style="text-align:right;"|0.1

| style="text-align:right;"|0.2

| style="text-align:right;"|0.6

| style="text-align:right;"|0.5

| style="text-align:right;"|

| style="text-align:right;"|0.3

| style="text-align:right;"|

| style="text-align:right;"|0.4

! colspan="2" |Total seats

! style="text-align:right;"|36

! style="text-align:right;"|28

! style="text-align:right;"|14

! style="text-align:right;"|106

! style="text-align:right;"|75

! style="text-align:right;"|10

! style="text-align:right;"|11

! style="text-align:right;"|4

! style="text-align:right;"|7

! style="text-align:right;"|1

! style="text-align:right;"|308

Post-election

{{Gallery

|title=Cartographical analysis of 2011 results

|width=160 | height=170

|align=center

|Image:Canada_federal_election_2011_-_Results_By_Riding.svg

|alt1=

|Results by riding. Shading refers to strength of popular vote.

|File:Canada federal election 2011 ridings won.svg

|alt2=

|Identification of ridings gained by each party, relative to 2008.

|File:Canada Fed election 2011 Ridings losses.svg

|alt3=

|Identification of ridings lost by each party, relative to 2008.

}}

=Overview of results=

File:Élection-fédérale-canadienne-2011.png

File:Elections2011wikipedia.JPG

File:Canada 2011 Federal Election seats.svg decided by this election

{{legend|#2F873E|Green Party (1)}}]]

With an overall voter turnout of 61.4% and 14,823,408 ballots cast,{{cite journal|last=Reilly|first=Ian|title="Amusing Ourselves to Death?" Social Media, Political Satire, and the 2011 Election|journal=Canadian Journal of Communication|year=2011|volume=36|issue=3|page=503|doi=10.22230/cjc.2011v36n3a2508|doi-access=}} the Conservative Party remained in power, moving from a minority to a majority government{{cite web |url=http://enr.elections.ca/National_e.aspx |title=Preliminary Results |publisher=Elections Canada |access-date=May 3, 2011 |archive-date=February 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120228042630/http://enr.elections.ca/National_e.aspx |url-status=live }} by winning 166 of the 308 seats.{{cite news|title=Kanada: Konservative erringen Sieg|url=https://www.welt.de/print/welt_kompakt/print_politik/article13334432/Kanada-Konservative-erringen-Sieg.html|access-date=May 11, 2011|newspaper=Die Welt|date=May 4, 2011|language=de|archive-date=May 9, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110509154721/http://www.welt.de/print/welt_kompakt/print_politik/article13334432/Kanada-Konservative-erringen-Sieg.html|url-status=live}} The New Democratic Party won the largest number of seats in their history, including a large majority of seats in Quebec (where they had previously only ever elected two candidates) and formed the Official Opposition for the first time. The Liberal Party won the fewest seats in their history and party leader Michael Ignatieff was defeated in his own riding. The Bloc Québécois, which had always won at least a majority of seats in Quebec in every election of their existence, lost nearly all their seats, and thus also their official party status, including the seat of their leader Gilles Duceppe.{{cite news|last=LeBlanc|first=Daniel|title=Duceppe resigns as Bloc leader after losing riding|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/duceppe-resigns-as-bloc-leader-after-losing-riding/article2007598/|access-date=May 11, 2011|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|date=May 2, 2011|archive-date=May 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110505112408/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/duceppe-resigns-as-bloc-leader-after-losing-riding/article2007598/|url-status=live}} Green Party leader Elizabeth May became the first Member of Parliament elected to represent the party.{{cite news|last=Taylor|first=Lesley Ciarula|title=Dryden falls, Trudeau survives: Notable election winners and losers|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/federalbudget/article/984605--dryden-falls-trudeau-survives-notable-election-winners-and-losers?bn=1|access-date=May 3, 2011|newspaper=Toronto Star|date=May 3, 2011|archive-date=May 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110506040353/http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/federalbudget/article/984605--dryden-falls-trudeau-survives-notable-election-winners-and-losers?bn=1|url-status=live}}

=Recounts=

Elections Canada ordered three judicial recounts,{{cite news |last=Chai |first=Carmen |title=Elections Canada now reviewing 3 riding wins |url=https://montrealgazette.com/news/canada/Elections+Canada+reviewing+riding+wins/4735165/story.html |access-date=May 5, 2011 |newspaper=Montreal Gazette |date=May 5, 2011 |archive-date=January 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112140031/http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/canada/Elections+Canada+reviewing+riding+wins/4735165/story.html |url-status=live }} and an elector initiated a fourth.{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/vote-recount-set-for-winnipeg-federal-riding-1.1110579 |title=Vote recount set for Winnipeg federal riding |publisher=CBC News |date=May 13, 2011 |access-date=May 14, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110516065337/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/story/2011/05/13/mb-recount-election-winnipeg.html |archive-date=May 16, 2011 }} The Canada Elections Act states that "a judicial recount is required when the difference in votes between the first- and second-place candidates is less than one one-thousandth of the total votes cast in a riding," and allows an elector or candidate in any riding to approach a judge and request a recount regardless of the final result. In all four ridings, Etobicoke Centre, Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, Nipissing—Timiskaming, and Winnipeg North, the validated result was confirmed:

As initially validated by election officials, Conservative Party candidate Ted Opitz defeated Liberal incumbent Borys Wrzesnewskyj in Etobicoke Centre by 25 votes,{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/crime/article/985959--judicial-recount-ordered-for-etobicoke-centre-riding |title=Judicial recount ordered for Etobicoke Centre riding |date=May 4, 2011 |access-date=May 4, 2011 |work=Toronto Star |first=Henry |last=Stancu |archive-date=October 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024032213/http://www.thestar.com/news/crime/article/985959--judicial-recount-ordered-for-etobicoke-centre-riding |url-status=live }} a margin increased by one in the recount.{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/conservative-opitz-wins-etobicoke-centre-recount-1.1067694 |title=Conservative Opitz wins Etobicoke Centre recount |work=CBC News |date=May 23, 2011 |access-date=May 23, 2011 |archive-date=May 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525050055/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/story/2011/05/23/ted-opitz-recount-etobicoke-centre.html |url-status=live }} Citing potential voter registration irregularities, however, Wrzesnewskyj has sought to have the result overturned by the courts, filing a formal motion with the Ontario Superior Court in spring 2012.{{cite news |title=Etobicoke Centre election result marred by 'irregularities' |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/etobicoke-centre-election-result-marred-by-irregularities-1.1129422 |access-date=May 3, 2021 |work=CBC News |date=April 23, 2012 |archive-date=September 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910104109/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/etobicoke-centre-election-result-marred-by-irregularities-1.1129422 |url-status=live }} On October 25, 2012, the Supreme Court of Canada upheld Opitz's narrow victory.{{cite web|title=Judgements of the Supreme Court of Canada: Opitz v. Wrzesnewskyj|date=January 2001|url=http://scc.lexum.org/decisia-scc-csc/scc-csc/scc-csc/en/item/12635/index.do|access-date=June 25, 2012|archive-date=October 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121027212853/http://scc.lexum.org/decisia-scc-csc/scc-csc/scc-csc/en/item/12635/index.do|url-status=live}}
Initially, Conservative Jay Aspin defeated incumbent Anthony Rota of the Liberal Party by 15 votes in Nipissing—Timiskaming; the recount added three votes to the margin of victory.{{cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/recounts-confirm-liberal-victory-in-winnipeg-tory-win-in-northern-ontario/article2024876/ |title=Recounts confirm Liberal victory in Winnipeg, Tory win in Northern Ontario |work=The Globe and Mail |location=Canada |date=May 17, 2011 |access-date=May 17, 2011 |first=Gloria |last=Galloway |archive-date=November 2, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102052318/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/recounts-confirm-liberal-victory-in-winnipeg-tory-win-in-northern-ontario/article2024876/ |url-status=live }}
In Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, incumbent Conservative MP Bernard Généreux was initially declared re-elected, but due to a counting error on election night, the seat was later determined to have been won by the NDP candidate François Lapointe by a margin of five votes. The recount confirmed Lapointe as the winner by nine votes.{{cite web |url=https://vancouversun.com/news/decision-canada/Recount+gives+59th+seat+Quebec/4785274/story.html |title=Recount gives NDP 59th seat in Quebec |work=Vancouver Sun |location=Canada |date=May 14, 2011 |access-date=May 15, 2011 |archive-date=May 17, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110517001619/http://www.vancouversun.com/news/decision-canada/Recount+gives+59th+seat+Quebec/4785274/story.html |url-status=dead }}
In Winnipeg North, a recount was requested by an elector; the difference between Liberal Kevin Lamoureux, the victor, and New Democrat Rebecca Blaikie was just 45 votes,{{cite news |title=Too close to be sure: judicial recount in Winnipeg North |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5hlx9fkfvVDvIgGQva78aaVRr5Zkw?docId=6841615 |access-date=May 13, 2011 |newspaper=Canadian Press}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} reduced by one vote in the recount.

=Opposition party leadership changes=

Ignatieff announced on May 3, 2011, that he would step down as leader of the Liberal Party when it chose his successor.{{Cite news |url=http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/05/03/ignatieff-press-conference-fuels-speculation-about-leaders-future/ |title=Ignatieff steps down as Liberal leader |work=National Post |location=Canada |date=May 3, 2011 |access-date=May 3, 2011 |archive-date=August 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807185725/https://nationalpost.com/category/news/ |url-status=live }} Ignatieff took a teaching position at the University of Toronto after his defeat in Etobicoke—Lakeshore. He decided to teach classes in the law faculty, the department of political science, the Munk School of Global Affairs and the School of Public Policy and Governance. Ignatieff stated that, "The life that I like the best is teaching. It's the end of my life as a politician".{{cite news|last=Valpy|first=Michael|title=Ignatieff says U of T teaching position to mark 'end of my life as a politician'|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/u-of-t-teaching-position-to-mark-the-end-of-my-life-as-a-politician/article2011390/|access-date=May 5, 2011|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|date=May 5, 2011|archive-date=May 9, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110509051935/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/u-of-t-teaching-position-to-mark-the-end-of-my-life-as-a-politician/article2011390/|url-status=live}} Bob Rae, Liberal MP for Toronto Centre and former Premier of Ontario (1990 to 1995, as a New Democrat), subsequently became interim leader of the Liberal Party, with a Liberal leadership election which took place April 14, 2013, during which Justin Trudeau was chosen as leader.

Duceppe resigned as Bloc Québécois leader on election night following his defeat. Louis Plamondon, MP for Bas-Richelieu—Nicolet—Bécancour and Dean of the House, subsequently became interim parliamentary leader of the Bloc. Former MP Daniel Paillé, who lost his seat in the election, won the Bloc leadership election to succeed Duceppe on December 11, 2011.[https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/daniel-paill%C3%A9-new-leader-of-bloc-qu%C3%A9b%C3%A9cois-1.1073544 "Daniel Paille new leader of Bloc Quebecois"] . CBC News, December 11, 2011.

On July 25, 2011, Jack Layton took a leave of absence to fight a newly diagnosed cancer. Nycole Turmel, former union leader and newly elected MP for Hull—Aylmer, was named interim leader of the New Democratic Party. On August 22, Layton died. Turmel became opposition leader. A leadership election was held on March 24, 2012, and Tom Mulcair was elected leader of the New Democratic Party.[https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/mulcair-victorious-on-fourth-ballot/article2380309/ "Mulcair victorious on fourth ballot"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209221439/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/mulcair-victorious-on-fourth-ballot/article2380309/ |date=February 9, 2017 }}. The Globe and Mail, March 24, 2012.

=Controversies=

The losing parties in the Berthier—Maskinongé riding claimed that the nomination papers for Ruth Ellen Brosseau, the newly elected NDP Member of Parliament for the riding, had irregularities.{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/985610--liberals-seek-revenge-on-quebec-mp-who-won-without-campaigning?bn=1|title=Liberals seek revenge on Quebec MP who won without campaigning|date=May 4, 2011|first=Allan|last=Woods|access-date=May 5, 2011|work=Toronto Star|archive-date=May 8, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110508024417/http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/985610--liberals-seek-revenge-on-quebec-mp-who-won-without-campaigning?bn=1|url-status=live}} Some of the alleged irregularities include writing an address instead of signing, missing signatures, people thinking they were signing a petition for the NDP to name a candidate in the riding and one person not remembering that he signed her nomination papers even though he admitted that the signature looks like his. The NDP denied the allegations. Elections Canada has insisted that Brosseau's nomination papers were legitimate.{{cite news|last=Minsky|first=Amy|title=New MP Ruth Ellen Brosseau cleared by Elections Canada|url=https://vancouversun.com/news/canada/Ruth+Ellen+Brosseau+cleared+Elections+Canada/4740008/story.html|access-date=May 6, 2011|newspaper=Vancouver Sun|date=May 6, 2011|archive-date=June 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629104432/http://www.vancouversun.com/news/canada/Ruth+Ellen+Brosseau+cleared+Elections+Canada/4740008/story.html|url-status=live}} Elections Canada stated that "The decision to overturn or uphold the results is at the discretion of the courts and not Elections Canada".

The Liberal Party of Canada attracted controversy regarding the past racist comments and White supremacist history of one of its candidates in northern Quebec, Andre Forbes. His history as a white supremacist activist and past hate speech against Muslims, First Nations and LGBTQ+ people was uncovered by the NDP. Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff immediately removed Forbes as a candidate.{{cite web|url=http://metronews.ca/news/202277/claims-of-racism-against-liberal-candidate-dog-ignatieff-in-quebec/|title=Claims of racism against Liberal candidate dog Ignatieff in Quebec|work=Metro|access-date=February 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203100031/http://metronews.ca/news/202277/claims-of-racism-against-liberal-candidate-dog-ignatieff-in-quebec/|archive-date=February 3, 2015|url-status=dead}}

==Voter suppression scandal==

{{main|2011 Canadian federal election voter suppression scandal}}

In early 2012, there were allegations of voter suppression during the election, starting the robocall scandal. Elections Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) investigated claims that robocalls were used in an attempt to dissuade voters from casting their ballot by telling them their poll stations had changed location.{{cite news|url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/Elections+Canada+investigating+robocalls+that+misled+voters/6194990/story.html |title=Elections Canada investigating 'robocalls' that misled voters |access-date=March 18, 2012 |last=Maher |first=Stephen and Glen McGregor |date=February 27, 2012 |work=Ottawa Citizen }}{{dead link|date=November 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} While the Elections Canada investigation initially focused on calls sent into Guelph amidst nationwide complaints, the investigation continued to expand in scope and to examine complaints in other ridings across the country. Reports of fraudulent automated or live calls targeting opposition supporters were published in 100 ridings{{cite web |first=David P. |last=Ball |url=http://www.vancouverobserver.com/world/canada/2012/02/27/robogate-election-scandal-11-robo-call-ridings-linked-conservatives-11-seat |title=Robocall scandal by the numbers: up to 100 ridings allege election fraud |publisher=The Vancouver Observer |date=February 29, 2012 |access-date=March 27, 2012 |archive-date=April 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120411135912/http://www.vancouverobserver.com/world/canada/2012/02/27/robogate-election-scandal-11-robo-call-ridings-linked-conservatives-11-seat |url-status=live }} and Elections Canada acknowledged it was investigating telephone election fraud complaints in 247 of Canada's 308 federal ridings.

On March 27, 2012, the Council of Canadians announced that they had launched a lawsuit in the Federal Court of Canada to ask for by-elections to be ordered in seven ridings where complaints were received and where Conservatives had won by slim margins. The ridings named were Don Valley East, Winnipeg South Centre, Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar, Vancouver Island North, Yukon, Nipissing-Timiskaming and Elmwood-Transcona.{{cite web |url=https://vancouversun.com/business/fp/yourmoney/Tories+offensive+over+robocalls/6234917/story.html |title=Tories go on offensive over robocalls |publisher=Vancouver Sun |date=March 2, 2012 |access-date=March 26, 2012 |archive-date=March 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305034226/http://www.vancouversun.com/business/fp/yourmoney/Tories+offensive+over+robocalls/6234917/story.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url = https://ottawacitizen.com/news/Robocalls+Activist+group+files+legal+challenge+results+seven+ridings/6362995/story.html|title = Robocalls: Activist group files legal challenge of results in seven ridings|access-date = March 27, 2012|last = Maher|first = Stephen and Glen McGregor|date = March 27, 2012|work = Ottawa Citizen|archive-date = March 28, 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120328160241/http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Robocalls+Activist+group+files+legal+challenge+results+seven+ridings/6362995/story.html|url-status = live}} The case was heard over two weeks starting December 9, 2012.{{cite news|last=Campion-Smith, Bruce|first=Wittington, Les|title=Elections Canada reveals massive robo-calls probe of 2011 election|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/1296114--elections-canada-reveals-massive-robo-calls-probe-of-2011-election|access-date=December 12, 2012|newspaper=The Toronto Star|date=November 30, 2012|archive-date=December 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121204112808/http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/1296114--elections-canada-reveals-massive-robo-calls-probe-of-2011-election|url-status=live}} Justice Richard G. Mosley ruled in May 2013 that fraud had occurred in Guelph and that voting irregularities and misconduct occurred in all six of the contested ridings, but that it was not significant enough to warrant overturning the election results. The judge also ruled that the mostly likely source of the fraud was the Conservative Party of Canada's (using the CIMS database) and that there was no evidence that its use was approved by the CPC.Wingrove, Josh, (May 23, 2013) [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/federal-ruling-dismisses-robo-call-appeal-clears-tories/article12121319/ Robo-calls had minimal impact on 2011 election, court rules, upholding results] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209221233/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/federal-ruling-dismisses-robo-call-appeal-clears-tories/article12121319/ |date=February 9, 2017 }}, The Globe and Mail, retrieved May 24, 2013{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/federal-court-won-t-remove-mps-over-election-robocalls-1.1331781 |title=Federal Court won't remove MPs over robocall allegations – Politics – CBC News |publisher=CBC News |date=May 23, 2013 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |archive-date=May 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524025949/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/05/23/pol-federal-court-robocall-allegations.html |url-status=live }}

In April 2013, a criminal charge in the matter was laid on Michael Sona, a former Conservative staffer who was the communications officer and official Ottawa liaison for the Guelph Conservative campaign.{{cite news|title=Guelph Conservatives felt national party influence, documents suggest|url=http://www.guelphmercury.com/news/local/article/680217--guelph-conservatives-felt-national-party-influence-documents-suggest|newspaper=Guelph Mercury|access-date=April 12, 2013|archive-date=August 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807185725/https://www.guelphmercury.com/guelph-on-news/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=More robocall suspects likely, Guelph MP says|url=http://www.guelphmercury.com/news/local/article/912853--more-robocall-suspects-likely-guelph-mp-says|newspaper=Guelph Mercury|access-date=April 12, 2013|archive-date=August 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807185750/https://www.guelphmercury.com/guelph-on-news/|url-status=live}} In August 2014, he was convicted of the charge.{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/michael-sona-guilty-in-robocalls-trial-1.2735676|title=Michael Sona guilty in robocalls trial – but 'did not likely act alone'|newspaper=CBC|access-date=August 15, 2014|archive-date=August 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814183953/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/michael-sona-guilty-in-robocalls-trial-1.2735676|url-status=live}}

==Riding of Vaughan==

In a further scandal, Elections Canada was called on to investigate the finances of Associate Minister of National Defence Julian Fantino's election finances after three former Conservative riding executives from Vaughan{{cite web |url=http://404systemerror.com/election-fraud-robocalls-the-case-of-vaughan/ |title=Election Fraud & Robocalls: The Case of Vaughan |publisher=404 System Error |date=March 8, 2012 |access-date=March 26, 2012 |archive-date=March 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312154457/http://404systemerror.com/election-fraud-robocalls-the-case-of-vaughan/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.canada.com/news/Three+former+Tory+association+members+seek+probe+into+Fantino+election+finances/6280438/story.html |title=Three former Tory association members seek probe into Fantino's election finances |publisher=Canada.com |date=March 9, 2012 |access-date=March 26, 2012 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} signed affidavits alleging impropriety in Fantino's 2010 and 2011 election campaigns. They alleged there was a second, secret, illegal bank account containing $300,000.{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ex-tory-riding-execs-question-fantino-s-election-finances-1.1147707 |title=Ex-Tory riding execs question Fantino's election finances – Politics – CBC News |publisher=CBC News |date=March 9, 2012 |access-date=March 26, 2012 |archive-date=March 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313011311/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2012/03/09/pol-fantino-election.html |url-status=live }}

= Commentary =

In the wake of the election, pundits widely believed in a theme of major political realignment.Royce Koop, and Amanda Bittner, "Parties and Elections after 2011: The Fifth Canadian Party System?." in Amanda Bittner and Royce Koop, eds, Parties, Elections, and the Future of Canadian Politics (2013): 308-31. The Economist said, "the election represents the biggest realignment of Canadian politics since 1993."Economist May 3, 2011 Lawrence Martin, commentator for The Globe and Mail, claimed that "Harper has completed a remarkable reconstruction of a Canadian political landscape that endured for more than a century. The realignment sees both old parties of the moderate middle, the Progressive Conservatives and the Liberals, either eliminated or marginalized."{{cite news |last=Martin |first=Lawrence |date=May 4, 2011 |title=Harper's triumph: a realignment of historic proportion |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/opinion/harpers-triumph-a-realignment-of-historic-proportions/article2008719/ |access-date=November 9, 2011 |archive-date=December 16, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111216043610/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/opinion/harpers-triumph-a-realignment-of-historic-proportions/article2008719/ |url-status=live }} Writing for Maclean's, Andrew Coyne proclaimed "The West is in and Ontario has joined it," observing that the Conservatives achieved their majority predominantly due to strength in both Ontario and the western provinces (an electoral combination that was historically unlikely due to the low population of the latter); this, he argued, marked "the new axis of Canadian politics", and that "the Conservatives are now in a position to replace the Liberals as the natural governing party in Canada."{{cite news |last=Coyne |first=Andrew |date=May 6, 2011 |title=The West is in and Ontario has joined it |newspaper=Maclean's |url=http://www.macleans.ca/general/a-new-power-couple/ |access-date=November 9, 2011 |archive-date=September 5, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905192804/http://www.macleans.ca/general/a-new-power-couple/ |url-status=live }} Books such as The Big Shift by John Ibbitson and Darrell Bricker, and Peter C. Newman's When the Gods Changed: The Death of Liberal Canada, provocatively asserted that the Liberals had become an "endangered species" and that an NDP-led opposition would mean that "fortune favours the Harper government" in subsequent campaigns.{{cite news |last=McLeod |first=Paul |date=October 22, 2015 |title=Book Review: The Big Shift Explains Why Stephen Harper Will Keep Winning |publisher=Buzzfeed |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/paulmcleod/book-review-the-big-shift-why-stephen-harper-will-keep-winni#.kk8WgyWkW |access-date=October 22, 2015 |archive-date=October 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023222156/http://www.buzzfeed.com/paulmcleod/book-review-the-big-shift-why-stephen-harper-will-keep-winni#.kk8WgyWkW |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Valpy |first=Michael |date=November 25, 2011 |title=Is a Liberal comeback mission impossible? |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/is-a-liberal-comeback-mission-impossible/article4246976/ |access-date=October 22, 2015 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304223625/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/is-a-liberal-comeback-mission-impossible/article4246976/ |url-status=live }} However, the resurgence of the Liberal Party in the 2015 election has since challenged that narrative.{{cite news |last1=Nadelli |first1=Alberto |last2=Swann |first2=Glenn |date=October 20, 2015 |title=Three maps that explain the Liberals' great comeback in Canada's election |newspaper=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2015/oct/20/canada-election-liberal-comeback-three-maps-justin-trudeau |access-date=October 21, 2015 |archive-date=October 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151021134027/http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2015/oct/20/canada-election-liberal-comeback-three-maps-justin-trudeau |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Paikin |first=Steve |date=October 19, 2015 |title=Who says Canadian politics are boring? |publisher=TVO |url=http://tvo.org/blog/current-affairs/who-says-canadian-politics-are-boring |access-date=October 21, 2011 |archive-date=December 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222114454/http://tvo.org/blog/current-affairs/who-says-canadian-politics-are-boring |url-status=live }}

Student vote results

Student votes are mock elections that run parallel to actual elections, in which students not of voting age participate. They are administered by Student Vote Canada. Student vote elections are for educational purposes and do not count towards the results. Though there were 308 ridings, only 301 were declared.{{cite web |url=https://studentvote.ca/federal2015/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/FED-SEC-EN-Handout-4.4.pdf |title=2011 Election Results |publisher=Student Vote Canada |access-date=May 5, 2025}}

style="width:88%; text-align:center; font-weight: bold;"

style="color:black;"

| style="background:#6495ED; width:42%;" | 130

| style="background:#F4A460; width:37%;"|113

| style="background:#EA6D6A; width:13%;" | 47

| style="background:#87CEFA; width:01.9%;" | 6

| style="background:#99C955; width:01.6%;" | 5

Conservative

| New Democratic

| Liberal

| {{abbr|Bloc|Bloc Québécois}}

| Green

{{election table|title=Summary of the 2011 Canadian Student Vote}}

! colspan="2" rowspan="2" | Party

! rowspan="2" | Leader

! colspan="2" | Seats

! colspan="2" | Popular vote

! Elected

! %

! Votes

! %

| style="text-align: left;"| Stephen Harper

| 130 || 42.2 || 166,893 || 30.97

| style="text-align: left;"| Jack Layton

| 113 || 36.7 || 140,157 || 26.01

| style="text-align: left;"| Michael Ignatieff

| 47 || 15.3 || 106,166 || 19.70

| style="text-align: left;"| Gilles Duceppe

| 6 || 1.9 || 7,011 || 1.30

| style="text-align: left;"| Elizabeth May

| 5 || 1.6 || 93,140 || 17.29

| style="background-color:gainsboro"|

| colspan="2" style="text-align: left;" | Other

| 0 || 0 || 25,479|| 4.73

| colspan="3" style="text-align: left;" | Total

| 301* || 100.00 || 538,846 || 100.00

| colspan="7" style="text-align: left;" | Source: Student Vote Canada

Notes

{{Reflist |group=fn |refs=

The only NDP candidates elected in Quebec before 2011 were Thomas Mulcair and Phil Edmonston, the latter in a 1990 by-election.

The previous lowest seat total for the Liberals was 40 in the 1984 election.

}}

References

External links

[http://www.elections.ca/ Elections Canada]
[http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadavotes2011/ CBC News – Canada Votes 2011]
{{cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/compare-the-party-platforms/article1964156/ |title=Compare the party platforms |work=The Globe and Mail |location=Canada |date=April 3, 2011 |access-date=April 17, 2011}}

2011

Category:2011 elections in Canada

Category	Issue	Details
class="wikitable"
valign="top" \|rowspan = "3"\|Crime and law enforcement	Internet surveillance and warrant-less wiretapping	The Conservatives promised to re-introduce Internet surveillance legislation that they were not able to pass, and bundle it with the rest of their crime bills. They said they plan to fast track the legislation within 100 days after taking office.{{cite news \|url=http://www.techeye.net/security/canadian-conservatives-promise-big-brother-laws \|title=Canadian conservatives promise "big brother laws" – At least they are honest \|publisher=TechEye \|last1=Farrell \|first1=Nick \|date=April 11, 2011 \|access-date=April 17, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110417030205/http://www.techeye.net/security/canadian-conservatives-promise-big-brother-laws \|archive-date=April 17, 2011 \|url-status=dead }}{{cite web \|url=http://www.michaelgeist.ca/content/view/5733/125/ \|title=Michael Geist – The Conservatives Commitment to Internet Surveillance \|publisher=Michaelgeist.ca \|last1=Geist \|first1=Michael \|date=April 9, 2011 \|access-date=April 17, 2011 \|archive-date=April 17, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110417030209/http://www.michaelgeist.ca/content/view/5733/125/ \|url-status=dead}}{{cite news \| url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/electronic-snooping-bill-a-data-grab-privacy-advocates-1.827556 \| work=CBC News \| title=Electronic snooping bill a 'data grab': privacy advocates \| date=June 19, 2009 \| access-date=April 11, 2011 \|last1=Chung \|first1= Emily \| archive-date=December 2, 2010 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202071600/http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/06/19/tech-internet-communications-electronic-police-bills-surveillance-follo-privacy.html \| url-status=live }}{{cite news \|url=http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/274527 \|title=New Canadian legislation will give police greater powers \|last1=Dearing \|first1=Stephanie \|publisher=Digitaljournal.com \|date=June 21, 2009 \|access-date=April 17, 2011 \|archive-date=April 17, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110417030215/http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/274527 \|url-status=dead}}{{cite news \| url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/isps-must-help-police-snoop-on-internet-under-new-bill-1.817756 \| work=CBC News \| title=ISPs must help police snoop on internet under new bill \| date=June 18, 2009 \| access-date=April 11, 2011 \| archive-date=April 17, 2011 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110417030219/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2009/06/18/tech-internet-police-bill-intercept-electronic-communications.html \| url-status=live }}{{cite news\|first1=Matt\|last1=Hartley\|first2=Omar\|last2=El Akkad\|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/tories-seek-to-widen-police-access-online/article1187507/\|title=Tories seek to widen police access online\|work=The Globe and Mail\|date=June 18, 2009\|access-date=April 17, 2011\|archive-date=February 13, 2011\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110213034107/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/tories-seek-to-widen-police-access-online/article1187507/\|url-status=dead}}{{cite news \|last1=Metz \|first1=Cade \|title=Canadian bill forces personal data from ISPs sans warrant \|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/06/18/canada_isp_intercept_bills/ \|work=The Register \|date=June 18, 2009 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810130754/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/06/18/canada_isp_intercept_bills/ \|archive-date=August 10, 2017}}{{cite news \|last=Brown \|first=Jesse \|url=http://www.macleans.ca/2011/04/13/harpers-promise-a-warrantless-online-surveillance-state/ \|title=Harper's promise: a warrantless online surveillance state- Why 'lawful access' legislation is on its way and why that should worry you \|publisher=Maclean's \|date=April 13, 2011 \|access-date=April 17, 2011 \|archive-date=April 17, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110417030237/http://www2.macleans.ca/2011/04/13/harpers-promise-a-warrantless-online-surveillance-state/ \|url-status=live }}{{Excessive citations inline\|date=September 2023}}
valign="top" \|Long gun registry	Harper pledged to scrap the long-gun registry.{{cite news\|last=Joe Friesen and John Ibbitson\|title=Harper courts rural ridings with vow to kill gun registry\|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/harper-courts-rural-ridings-with-vow-to-kill-gun-registry/article1970912/?from=sec368\|access-date=April 4, 2011\|newspaper=The Globe and Mail\|date=April 4, 2011\|archive-date=April 8, 2011\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110408070000/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/harper-courts-rural-ridings-with-vow-to-kill-gun-registry/article1970912/?from=sec368\|url-status=dead}}
valign="top" \|Crime strategies	The Conservative platform included a promise to consolidate twelve crime bills into at least one omnibus bill and pass it within 100 days of forming a majority government. The bills included within that list would crack down on organized drug crime, end house arrest for violent criminals and establish tougher sentences and mandatory jail time for sexual offences against children.{{cite news \|url=http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/04/08/conservative-platform-harper-pledges-to-slash-4-billion-in-spending/ \|title=Conservative platform: Harper pledges to slash $4-billion in spending \|work=National Post \|date=April 8, 2011 \|access-date=April 26, 2011 \|archive-date=August 7, 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807185725/https://nationalpost.com/category/news/ \|url-status=dead }} The opposition parties claimed the crime bills were not costed fully, and the opposition parties countered that this would create a US style system of prisons.{{cite news \|url=http://www.globalnews.ca/decisioncanada/debate/index.html \|title=INTERACTIVE: Federal Election Leaders' Debate 2011 \|publisher=Global News \|date=April 13, 2011 \|access-date=May 1, 2011 \|archive-date=April 17, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110417050907/http://www.globalnews.ca/decisioncanada/debate/index.html \|url-status=live }} The Conservatives have not released the costs for expanding the prison system. The other parties state that more focus should be given on crime prevention, so that it doesn't happen in the first place. The New Democratic Party (NDP) stated that their promise to hire 2,500 more police officers to patrol the streets, will help in preventing crime from occurring in the first place.{{cite news \|url=https://vancouversun.com/news/unveils+plan+stamp+gang+violence+during+Surrey+stop/4580143/story.html \|title=NDP unveils plan to stamp out gang violence during Surrey stop \|work=The Vancouver Sun \|date=April 8, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011 }}{{Dead link\|date=August 2021 \|bot=InternetArchiveBot \|fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite news \|first=Gloria \|last=Galloway \|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/ndp-pledge-aims-to-stamp-out-gang-related-crime-at-its-source/article1974770/ \|title=NDP pledge aims to stamp out gang-related crime at its source \|work=The Globe and Mail \|date=April 7, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011 \|archive-date=April 14, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110414112439/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/ndp-pledge-aims-to-stamp-out-gang-related-crime-at-its-source/article1974770/ \|url-status=dead}}{{cite news \|url=http://www.cknw.com/Channels/Reg/NewsLocal/Story.aspx?ID=1398353 \|title=Layton vows crime crackdown \|publisher=Cknw.com \|date=April 7, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011 \|archive-date=September 26, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926233144/http://www.cknw.com/Channels/Reg/NewsLocal/Story.aspx?ID=1398353 \|url-status=dead}}{{cite news \|last=Kirkup \|first=Kristy \|url=http://www.torontosun.com/news/decision2011/2011/04/07/17905161.html \|title=NDP unveils crime policy \| Decision 2011 \| News \|newspaper=Toronto Sun \|date=April 7, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011 \|archive-date=October 2, 2012 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002172806/http://www.torontosun.com/news/decision2011/2011/04/07/17905161.html \|url-status=live }}
valign="top" \|colspan ="2"\|Defence policy	The Conservatives plan to purchase 65 F-35 Lightning II jet fighters. Stating that "Our defence policy is broken", the NDP announced that they would prioritize investment in naval ships over new fighter jets. The NDP stated that this would be a good opportunity to keep shipbuilding expertise and jobs in Canada.{{cite news \| url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ndp-prioritizes-ships-over-jets-1.1074350 \| work=CBC News \| title=NDP prioritizes ships over jets \| date=April 8, 2011 \| access-date=April 10, 2011 \| archive-date=April 9, 2011 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110409171415/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2011/04/08/cv-election-ndp-esquimalt.html \| url-status=live }}{{cite news \|last=Kirkup \|first=Kristy \|url=http://www.torontosun.com/news/decision2011/2011/04/08/17922626.html \|title=New ships not jets, say NDP \| Decision 2011 \| News \|newspaper=Toronto Sun \|date=April 8, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011 \|archive-date=April 9, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110409161430/http://www.torontosun.com/news/decision2011/2011/04/08/17922626.html \|url-status=live }}{{cite news \|first=Gloria \|last=Galloway \|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/layton-pans-tory-defence-plan-unveils-made-in-canada-alternative/article1976679/?from=sec368 \|title=Layton pans Tory defence plan, unveils made-in-Canada alternative \|work=The Globe and Mail \|date=April 8, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011 \|archive-date=October 25, 2012 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025011110/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/layton-pans-tory-defence-plan-unveils-made-in-canada-alternative/article1976679/?from=sec368 \|url-status=dead}}{{cite news \|first=Murray \|last=Brewster \|url=http://www.globalregina.com/says+replacing+navy+aging+supply+ships+would+defence+priority/4586012/story.html \|title=NDP says replacing navy's aging supply ships would be its defence priority \|publisher=Global News \|date=April 8, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011 \|archive-date=March 14, 2012 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314220700/http://www.globalregina.com/says+replacing+navy+aging+supply+ships+would+defence+priority/4586012/story.html \|url-status=live }}
valign="top" \|rowspan = "5"\|Economy and fiscal policy	Balanced budget and recession	Conservatives argued that they steered the economy through the 2008 financial crisis, and promised to eliminate the budget deficit by 2014–15.{{cite news\|url=https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/politics/Tories+kill+deficit+early/4582506/story.html \|title=Tories vow to kill deficit early \|work=National Post \|date=April 8, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011}}{{cite news \| url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/tories-vow-to-eliminate-deficit-early-1.1000691 \| work=CBC News \| title=Tories vow to eliminate deficit early \| date=April 8, 2011 \| access-date=April 14, 2011 \| archive-date=April 11, 2011 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110411105923/http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/story/2011/04/08/cv-election-day14.html \| url-status=live }} Former Prime Minister Paul Martin, campaigning for the Liberals, challenged assertions, noting that his Liberal government left a $13 billion budget surplus, before the Conservatives took power.{{cite news \|url=http://www.saultstar.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3035065 \|title=If this election's about the economy, let's hope the parties aren't stupid \|publisher=The Sault Star \|last1=Mills \|first1=Tom \|access-date=April 18, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720204142/http://www.saultstar.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3035065 \|archive-date=July 20, 2011 \|url-status=dead }}{{cite news \|url=http://www.torontosun.com/news/decision2011/2011/04/16/18015056.html \|title=Paul Martin rips Tory fiscal record \|last1=Dormer \|first1=Dave \|agency=QMI \|newspaper=Toronto Sun \|date=April 16, 2011 \|access-date=April 16, 2011 \|archive-date=October 2, 2012 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002173546/http://www.torontosun.com/news/decision2011/2011/04/16/18015056.html \|url-status=dead}} In 2010, Paul Martin had been invited to the prestigious Global ARC conference to discuss that elimination of the Canadian government deficit.{{cite web \|url=http://www.investmentreview.com/news/europe-can-learn-from-canada-john-major-paul-martin-4345 \|title=Europe Can Learn From Canada: John Major, Paul Martin \|publisher=Investmentreview.com \|date=May 19, 2010 \|access-date=May 5, 2011 \|archive-date=January 7, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110107125614/http://www.investmentreview.com/news/europe-can-learn-from-canada-john-major-paul-martin-4345 \|url-status=dead}} Martin also claimed that when he was Finance minister working under Jean Chretien, his blocking of proposed bank mergers is what actually sheltered Canada from the worst effects of the recession.{{cite news \|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-finance-mergers-idINTRE5623FR20090703 \|title=World crisis puts Canadian bank mergers out of mind \|first=Pav \|last=Jordan \|work=Reuters \|access-date=April 15, 2011 \|date=July 3, 2009 \|archive-date=January 25, 2016 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125170006/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-finance-mergers-idINTRE5623FR20090703 \|url-status=live }}{{cite news \|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110410/ap_on_re_ca/cn_harper_s_canada_remake \|title=Prime minister nudging Canada to the right – Associated Press \|first=Rob \|last=Gilles \|work=news.yahoo.com \|date=April 10, 2011 \|quote=Prime minister nudging Canada to the right \|access-date=April 15, 2011 \|archive-date=April 13, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110413175543/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110410/ap_on_re_ca/cn_harper_s_canada_remake \|url-status=live }} The New Democratic Party (NDP) released its platform promising a balanced budget in four years.{{cite news \|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ndp-to-unveil-balanced-budget-platform-1.1011904 \|title=NDP to unveil balanced budget platform \|publisher=CBC \|date=April 9, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011 \|archive-date=April 13, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110413055504/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadavotes2011/story/2011/04/09/cv-ndp-platform.html \|url-status=live }} After the NDP surge, the Liberals called the NDP platform "science fiction"{{cite news \|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ndp-platform-science-fiction-ignatieff-says-1.1041613 \|title=NDP platform 'science fiction,' Ignatieff says \|publisher=CBC \|date=April 23, 2011 \|access-date=April 29, 2011 \|archive-date=April 26, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110426021919/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2011/04/23/cv-election-saturday-campaign.html \|url-status=live }} stating it contains over $30 billion in new spending derived from sources that are not credible, and that implementing a cap and trade system that would take years to realize rather than provide the in-year contributions as claimed.
valign="top" \|Corporate tax cuts and job creation strategy	The Conservatives stated that their plan to cut corporate taxes from 16.5% to 15%, will create more jobs.{{cite news\|last=Taber\|first=Jane\|title=Ignatieff heads to Vancouver pharmacy to unveil another platform plank\|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/ignatieff-heads-to-vancouver-pharmacy-to-unveil-another-platform-plank/article1962922/\|access-date=March 30, 2011\|newspaper=The Globe and Mail\|date=March 30, 2011\|archive-date=April 1, 2011\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110401131253/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/ignatieff-heads-to-vancouver-pharmacy-to-unveil-another-platform-plank/article1962922/\|url-status=dead}} Harper stated that an increase in corporate taxes will create job losses across Canada. Layton countered by saying currently the jobs are shipped overseas, and pledged a $4,500 job creation tax credit to all businesses per new hire.{{cite news \|last=Kirkup \|first=Kristy \|url=http://www.torontosun.com/news/decision2011/2011/03/30/17804416.html \|title=Layton announces job creation measures \|newspaper=Toronto Sun \|date=March 30, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011 \|archive-date=April 7, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110407184305/http://www.torontosun.com/news/decision2011/2011/03/30/17804416.html \|url-status=live }} Layton further went to say that small business are the ones creating more jobs, thus he promised to lower the tax rate for small business from 11% to 9%. He then went on to say the big business are using the corporate tax cuts by providing their CEOs with big bonuses, and thus pledged to increase their tax rate to 19.5%.{{cite news \|url=http://money.canoe.ca/money/business/canada/archives/2011/03/20110330-143448.html \|title=NDP's small biz measures a double-edged sword \|publisher=Money.canoe.ca \|date=March 30, 2011 \|last1=Singleton \|first1=Sharon \|access-date=April 18, 2011 \|archive-url=https://archive.today/20110725173712/http://money.canoe.ca/money/business/canada/archives/2011/03/20110330-143448.html \|archive-date=July 25, 2011 \|url-status=usurped }} The Liberals on the other hand, will raise the rate to 18%, stating that it will be competitive but not excessively low.
valign="top" \|Increasing Canada Pension Plan	The NDP promised a gradual doubling of Canada Pension Plan and QPP benefits, in conjunction with the provinces, with an increase in payroll deductions of as much as 2.5 per cent.{{cite web\|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/key-election-campaign-promises-so-far-from-the-federal-parties-1.626544 \|title=Key election campaign promises so far from the federal parties \|work=CTV News \|date=April 14, 2011 \|access-date=April 29, 2011 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329144355/http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20110402/key-campaign-election-promises-040102/20110414?s_name=election2011 \|archive-date=March 29, 2012 }}
valign="top" \|HST referendum in BC	If BC voters were to reject the Harmonized Sales Tax in the upcoming referendum, the NDP promised to ensure that the penalties to be imposed by Ottawa on the HST agreement will be cancelled.{{cite news \|last=Fowlie \|first=Jonathan \|url=https://vancouversun.com/news/should+keep+money+even+scrapped+Layton/4573179/story.html \|title=B.C. should keep money even if HST is scrapped: Layton \|work=The Vancouver Sun \|date=April 7, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011 \|archive-date=July 9, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709213813/http://www.vancouversun.com/news/should+keep+money+even+scrapped+Layton/4573179/story.html \|url-status=dead}}{{cite news\|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/harper-has-ignored-health-care-problems-layton-1.1110891 \|work=CBC News \|title=Harper has ignored health-care problems: Layton \|date=April 6, 2011 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110409181753/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2011/04/06/cv-election-layton-seniors.html \|archive-date=April 9, 2011 }}{{cite news \|last=Austin \|first=Ian \|url=https://theprovince.com/Layton+courting+haters/4573708/story.html \|title=Layton courting B.C. HST haters \|publisher=Theprovince.com \|date=April 7, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011 }}{{Dead link\|date=May 2023 \|bot=InternetArchiveBot \|fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite news \|last=Kirkup \|first=Kristy \|url=http://www.torontosun.com/news/decision2011/2011/04/06/17894741.html \|title=Layton feeds off HST anger in B.C. \| Decision 2011 \| News \|newspaper=Toronto Sun \|date=April 6, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011 \|archive-date=April 9, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110409183355/http://www.torontosun.com/news/decision2011/2011/04/06/17894741.html \|url-status=live }}
valign="top" \|Personal taxation	Conservatives promised income splitting for tax purposes for families with children to be implemented once the budget is balanced in 2013.{{cite news\|last=Carrick\|first=Rob\|title=A wish list for all investors in this year's election\|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/rob-carrick/a-wish-list-for-all-investors-in-this-years-election/article1960511/\|access-date=March 30, 2011\|newspaper=The Globe and Mail\|date=March 29, 2011\|archive-date=April 2, 2011\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402042505/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/rob-carrick/a-wish-list-for-all-investors-in-this-years-election/article1960511/\|url-status=dead}}
valign="top" \|rowspan = "3"\|Electoral reform and political honesty	Political honesty	The New Democratic Party stated that both the Conservatives and the Liberals cannot be trusted. The NDP accused the Conservatives of creating "Liberal-style scandals"{{cite news \|last1=Chase \|first1=Steven \|last2=Galloway \|first2=Gloria \|last3=Taber \|first3=Jane \|title=Federal election called for May 2 \|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/federal-election-called-for-may-2/article576430/ \|access-date=August 7, 2021 \|work=The Globe and Mail \|date=March 26, 2011 \|archive-date=August 7, 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807193912/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/federal-election-called-for-may-2/article576430/ \|url-status=live }} and accused the Liberals of flip-flopping on issues such as corporate tax cuts, and the Afghanistan mission.{{cite news \| url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/layton-warns-of-tory-liberal-service-cuts-1.978418 \| work=CBC News \| title=Layton warns of Tory, Liberal service cuts \| date=April 9, 2011 \| access-date=April 26, 2011 \| archive-date=April 12, 2011 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110412004227/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadavotes2011/story/2011/04/09/cv-election-layton.html \| url-status=live }}{{cite news \| url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/968602--layton-calls-ignatieff-part-of-the-problem?bn=1 \| location=Toronto \| work=The Star \| first=Richard J. \| last=Brennan \| title=Layton calls Ignatieff 'part of the problem' \| date=April 4, 2011 \| access-date=August 25, 2017 \| archive-date=October 24, 2012 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024031412/http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/968602--layton-calls-ignatieff-part-of-the-problem?bn=1 \| url-status=live }}{{cite news \|author=Belanger, Joe \|url=https://lfpress.com/news/london/2011/04/04/17871561.html \|title=Layton slams Harper over loan dithering \| London \| News \| London Free Press \|publisher=The London Free Press \|date=April 5, 2011 \|access-date=April 17, 2011 \|archive-date=April 10, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410011436/http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2011/04/04/17871561.html \|url-status=live }} Throughout the election various polls had shown the political honesty issue to be low on the list of priorities for voters. Post-media conducted a survey that found health care, the economy, taxes and jobs all more important to Canadians. Further, half of voters identified Harper as the best suited to be Prime Minister followed by Layton with one third support and Ignatieff with less than twenty percent support. On the question of a hidden agenda, Ignatieff is viewed by three times more of those polled to have a hidden agenda than Harper.{{cite web \|url=https://vancouversun.com/news/decision-canada/Voters+connecting+dots/4668930/story.html \|title=Voters not connecting the dots \|work=The Vancouver Sun \|last1=Boswell \|first1=Randy \|date=April 25, 2011 \|access-date=May 5, 2011 \|archive-date=April 30, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430104622/http://www.vancouversun.com/news/decision-canada/Voters+connecting+dots/4668930/story.html \|url-status=dead}}
valign="top" \|Political financing	Conservatives pledged to phase-out per-vote subsidy over two years, with its eventual cancellation.
valign="top" \|Senate	Stephen Harper promised Senate reform without changing the constitution.{{cite news \|url=http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/04/25/harper-lends-support-to-ontario-candidates-facing-ndp-incumbents/ \|title=Harper pledges Senate reform, but without constitutional wrangling \|work=National Post \|date=December 22, 2010 \|access-date=April 26, 2011 \|archive-date=August 7, 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807185727/https://nationalpost.com/category/news/ \|url-status=dead }} The NDP pledged to abolish the Senate, stating it is a waste of tax revenues and a form of patronage.
valign="top" \|rowspan = "3"\|Promised government programs	Newfoundland hydroelectric project and Quebec's HST	Conservatives, New Democrats and Liberals promised $4.2 billion in loan guarantees to support the Lower Churchill River power project.{{cite news\|last=Shawn McCarthy and Steven Chase\|title=Harper to back Lower Churchill mega-project in bid for Newfoundland seats\|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/harper-to-back-lower-churchill-mega-project-in-bid-for-newfoundland-seats/article1963954/\|access-date=April 2, 2011\|newspaper=The Globe and Mail\|date=March 30, 2011\|archive-date=April 4, 2011\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110404054819/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/harper-to-back-lower-churchill-mega-project-in-bid-for-newfoundland-seats/article1963954/\|url-status=dead}} Due to outcry from Quebec over the pledge to provide loan guarantees for the Lower Churchill project, the Conservatives promise Quebec a $2.2 billion transfer to ease the Quebec Sales Tax to Harmonized Sales Tax transition.{{cite news\|last=Chase\|first=Steven\|title=Harper pledges to settle multibillion-dollar HST feud with Quebec\|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/harper-pledges-to-settle-multibillion-dollar-hst-feud-with-quebec/article1967422/\|access-date=April 1, 2011\|newspaper=The Globe and Mail\|date=April 1, 2011\|archive-date=April 7, 2011\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110407122547/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/harper-pledges-to-settle-multibillion-dollar-hst-feud-with-quebec/article1967422/\|url-status=dead}}
valign="top" \|Post-secondary education	Liberals promised a "Learning Passport" for high school students seeking post-secondary education.{{cite press release \|url=http://www.liberal.ca/newsroom/news-release/michael-ignatieff-announces-canadian-learning-passport/ \|title=Michael Ignatieff announces Canadian Learning Passport \|publisher=Liberal.ca \|date=March 29, 2011 \|access-date=April 25, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110503222627/http://www.liberal.ca/newsroom/news-release/michael-ignatieff-announces-canadian-learning-passport/ \|archive-date=May 3, 2011 \|url-status=dead }} The NDP's plan is to reduce the tuition fees, by increasing transfer payments to the Provinces.
valign="top" \|Immigration Fairness Commissioner	Liberals proposed the establishment of an "Immigration Fairness Commissioner" to provide oversight on the entry of immigrants with professional qualifications (doctors, engineers, etc.), and to increase the number of family reunification visas.{{cite news\|last=Taber\|first=Jane\|title=Ignatieff calls for immigration 'fairness commissioner'\|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/ignatieff-calls-for-immigration-fairness-commissioner/article1962566/\|access-date=March 30, 2011\|newspaper=The Globe and Mail\|date=March 29, 2011\|archive-date=April 1, 2011\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110401100936/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/ignatieff-calls-for-immigration-fairness-commissioner/article1962566/\|url-status=dead}}
valign="top" \|colspan = "2"\|Health care	The NDP pledged to train 1,200 more doctors and 6,000 more nurses.{{cite news\|last=Galloway\|first=Gloria\|title=NDP goes big with health-care ads, accusing Harper of neglect\|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/ndp-goes-big-with-health-care-ads-accusing-harper-of-neglect/article1961859/\|access-date=March 30, 2011\|newspaper=The Globe and Mail\|date=March 29, 2011\|archive-date=April 2, 2011\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402071316/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/ndp-goes-big-with-health-care-ads-accusing-harper-of-neglect/article1961859/\|url-status=dead}}{{cite news \|last=Kirkup \|first=Kristy \|url=http://www.torontosun.com/news/decision2011/2011/04/06/17901376.html \|title=Future of health care hinges on election: Layton \| Decision 2011 \| News \|newspaper=Toronto Sun \|date=April 6, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011 \|archive-date=April 10, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410135916/http://www.torontosun.com/news/decision2011/2011/04/06/17901376.html \|url-status=live }}{{cite news\|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/layton-warns-canadians-about-harper-s-health-care-1.627964 \|title=Layton warns Canadians about Harper's health care \|work=CTV News \|agency=The Canadian Press \|date=April 6, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329145902/http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/SpecialEvent7/20110406/layton-health-care-110406/ \|archive-date=March 29, 2012 }}{{cite news \|first=Gloria \|last=Galloway \|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/tories-will-let-health-care-fail-layton-warns-as-he-rolls-out-plan-in-bc/article1973270/ \|title=Tories will let health care fail, Layton warns as he rolls out plan in B.C. \|work=The Globe and Mail \|date=April 6, 2011 \|access-date=April 18, 2011 \|archive-date=April 11, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110411211312/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/tories-will-let-health-care-fail-layton-warns-as-he-rolls-out-plan-in-bc/article1973270/ \|url-status=dead}}{{cite news \| url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/970078--canada-s-health-care-system-in-jeopardy-under-conservatives-layton?bn=1 \| location=Toronto \| work=The Star \| first=Richard J. \| last=Brennan \| title=They may be New Democrats but old policies hurt profile \| date=April 6, 2011 \| access-date=August 25, 2017 \| archive-date=October 24, 2012 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024031438/http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/970078--canada-s-health-care-system-in-jeopardy-under-conservatives-layton?bn=1 \| url-status=live }} All parties promised to continue to increase healthcare transfers to provinces by 6% annually.
valign="top" \|rowspan = "2"\|Government regulations	Improved internet and usage based billing	The New Democratic Party (NDP) promised a ban on all forms of usage based billing by ISPs, and enshrine net neutrality in law, which would prevent bandwidth throttling. The Liberals promised net neutrality as well as "functional separation" with regards to usage based billing as well as enshrining net neutrality in law, which would prevent bandwidth throttling.{{Cite news \|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/liberals-target-faster-rural-internet-service-1.1085926 \|title=Liberals target faster rural internet service \|author=CBC News \|publisher=CBC \|date=April 6, 2011 \|access-date=April 6, 2011 \|archive-date=December 13, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111213194305/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadavotes2011/story/2011/04/06/cv-election-lib-rural.html \|url-status=live }}{{Cite news \|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/extra-billing-for-internet-use-a-ripoff-ndp-1.1035293 \|title=Extra billing for internet use a 'ripoff': NDP \|author=CBC News \|publisher=CBC \|date=January 20, 2011 \|access-date=April 6, 2011 \|archive-date=November 9, 2012 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109063916/http://www.cbc.ca/news/story/2011/01/20/consumer-internet-ndp.html \|url-status=live}} Almost all of the established parties, with the exception of the Conservatives, outlined policies that they claim will improve Canadian Internet access.{{Cite news \|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/platforms-pro-internet-except-conservative-report-1.1126296 \|title=Platforms pro-internet, except Conservative: report \|author=CBC News \|publisher=CBC \|date=April 28, 2011 \|access-date=April 29, 2011 \|archive-date=April 30, 2011 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430074155/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadavotes2011/story/2011/04/28/technology-internet-election-digital-platforms.html \|url-status=live }}
valign="top" \|Cap on credit card interest rates	The NDP promised to cap credit card rates at five percentage points above the Bank of Canada's prime interest rate.{{cite news\|last=Galloway\|first=Gloria\|title=Layton vows to cap credit-card rates\|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/layton-vows-to-cap-credit-card-rates/article1961191/\|access-date=March 29, 2011\|newspaper=The Globe and Mail\|date=March 29, 2011\|archive-date=April 2, 2011\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402041206/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/layton-vows-to-cap-credit-card-rates/article1961191/\|url-status=dead}}

2011 Canadian federal election

Background

Campaign slogans

Timeline

Issues

Election campaign

=Controversies and gaffes=

=Leaders' debates=

=Small parties public forum=

Opinion polls

=New Democratic Party surge=

Election spending

Endorsements

Candidates by party

Results

=Results by province=

Post-election

=Overview of results=

=Recounts=

=Opposition party leadership changes=

=Controversies=

==Voter suppression scandal==

==Riding of Vaughan==

= Commentary =

Student vote results

See also

Notes

References

Further reading

External links