Showing an increase in political polarization, the right- wing Reform party became the official opposition party, capturing the second-largest number of seats, while the union-based New Democratic Party nearly doubled the percentage of votes it received. The Reform Party, whose leader Preston Manning carried out a virulent anti-Quebecois campaign, won 60 seats, up from 50 in the 1993 election. The number of NDP seats rose from 9 to 21.
The Bloc Quebecois, a capitalist party that advocates sovereignty for Quebec, won 44 of its 50 from the previous government. The Bloc Quebecois was displaced by the Reform Party as the official opposition.
The election results reflect a response to the austerity campaigns and programs of the Liberal party. Headed by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, the Liberal government tightened eligibility rules and spending for social programs such as health care, unemployment, and pensions. The Liberal government also hammered through $10 billion in cuts in welfare and higher education. The unemployment rate hovers around 9 percent.
--MEGAN ARNEY