Britain's Coalition Government: Lessons for Canada

As the newly formed coalition government in Britain demonstrates the feasibility of coalition politics in the modern era of Westminster-style parliaments, Canadians are left to ponder whether a similar coalition can emerge in their own country. The British example, led by Prime Minister David Cameron and Liberal-Democrat deputy Nick Clegg, has introduced a five-year fixed term for elections, sparking questions about the stability of minority governments. Meanwhile, in Canada, where coalition attempts have been met with skepticism, politicians are being asked if they would consider forming a coalition with the NDP.

Key Takeaways:

• The British coalition government, led by Prime Minister David Cameron and Liberal-Democrat deputy Nick Clegg, has introduced a five-year fixed term for elections, sparking questions about stability in minority governments.
• In Canada, coalition attempts have been met with skepticism, with politicians being asked if they would consider forming a coalition with the NDP.
• Canada's lesson is that electoral calculations are not easily contained, and pure politics drive the forces that make and break minority governments.
• Former Prime Minister Paul Martin persuaded Belinda Stronach to cross the floor and stayed in power with the backing of independents and the Speaker's tie-breaker vote, but lost when the NDP switched sides.
• Stephen Harper passed legislation adopting "fixed," four-year terms, but then called an election after less than two years, winning a stronger minority but facing a potential coalition from the three opposition parties.
• New Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff killed the coalition idea, but the British example may revive questions for Canadian politicians, particularly if an election results in another minority Parliament.
• The Cameron-Clegg deal to ensure a five-year government is still hypothetical, as Canada's fixed-election law had an out, allowing the Governor-General to launch elections.
• Canada's experience shows that fixed-term laws may not be effective in preventing snap elections, and opposition parties can combine to defeat the government if they want an election.

Statistics:

• The British coalition government has 47% of MPs in the House of Commons.
• The Queen may face a constitutional crisis if the Cameron-Clegg coalition splits apart over a budget, and the government cannot pass money bills.
• The fixed-term bill aims to make it impossible for Prime Minister David Cameron to call an election, but it may not bind Liberal-Democrat deputy Nick Clegg from splitting away and forcing an election.
• The British Conservative party has 47% of MPs, the Liberal Democrats have 23%, and Labour has 29% of MPs.
• The average lifespan of a minority government in Canada is less than two years.

Sources:

• [The Globe and Mail, Campbell Clark]
• [The Associated Press]
• [York University constitutional expert Patrick Monahan]