The 2021 Canadian Federal Election: Did the Results Justify Calling It? With Melanee Thomas

The Liberal Party retained power in a close-run 2019 federal election where the Liberals won 157 seats and 33% of the popular vote, enough to form a minority government. The opposition Conservative Party won more votes, but far fewer seats. This was the first time since 1979 that the winner of the most seats wasn’t also the winner of the most votes. The NDP and separatist Bloc Quebecois parties both ended up holding the balance of power.

The speaker will unpack the results of the September 20, 2021 federal election and outline some of the main issues including why the Liberals called the election in the middle of this current 4th COVID pandemic wave. 

Speaker: Dr. Melanee Thomas                

Melanee Thomas is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Calgary. Her research focuses on the causes and consequences of gender-based political inequality in Canada and other post-industrial democracies. She has published research in journals such as Politics & Gender, Electoral Studies, and the Canadian Journal of Political Science. Dr. Thomas earned her first degree at the University of Lethbridge and served as U of L Students’ Union President.