by Clifford F. Thies

The Liberals, New Democrats and Bloc Quebecois are agreed on one thing: they're tired of the Conservative Party governing in theminority. By a vote of 156 to 145, they defeated the government on a'no confidence' vote, a result of which is that the Canadians will be going to the polls either on May 2nd or 9th.

Public opinion polls conducted prior to the no confidence put the Conservatives within reach of an outright majority. The traditional rule of thumb for which is 40 percent. Indeed, with the Canadian economy among the faster growing advanced economies in the world, and with the Canadian deficit as small as it is, it is likely the Conservatives would have soon called a snap election in order to take political advantage of the strong economic situation.

Cooperation by the three opposition parties may signal a willingness on the part of the Liberals to form a coalition government with the New Democrats and possibly also with the Bloc, whereas traditionally the Liberals and Conservatives were inclined to tacitly support the
other rather than see either of the other two parties gain a share of power.

But, if it is now acceptable for the main parties to take on one or more of the smaller ones, it is also possible that if the Conservatives again finish as the largest single party but short of a
majority, that it will offer a deal to the Bloc. The reason I say this, is that the Conservatives may be amenable to further devolution of the Canadian federation as long as it is equitable. Alberta, and not merely Quebec, grouses under the heavy boot of Ontario. Well, maybe I exaggerate.