Independent media needs you. Join the Tyee.

The Hook: Political news, freshly caught

905: Harper's last, best hope for a majority hangs up

The Conservative Party's last, best hope for a majority government – after Prime Minister Stephen Harper blew their chances in Quebec with his attack on the arts – rested with three key numbers on election night: 9-0-5 . That's the area code surrounding Toronto and was where Stephen Harper hoped to vanquish the remaining Jean Chretien-era Liberals who once dominated Ontario.

With just a handleful of seats from the Ontario region that kept right-wing Conservative Premier Mike Harris in power, Harper could have gained a majority government and told Quebec to frappe la rue.

But voters in area code 905 hung up on the Conservatives and helped the Liberals hang on Tuesday night. As a result, Harper is left with a minority government.

Ironically, one of the only Liberal seats in 905 to go Conservative was Halton - where party-switching MP Garth Turner was handily defeated. Turner had been turfed from the Tory caucus for telling too many caucus tales in public and then joined the Liberals but could not hold the seat.


What have we missed? What do you think? We want to know. Comment below. Keep in mind:

Do:

  • Verify facts, debunk rumours
  • Add context and background
  • Spot typos and logical fallacies
  • Highlight reporting blind spots
  • Ignore trolls
  • Treat all with respect and curiosity
  • Connect with each other

Do not:

  • Use sexist, classist, racist or homophobic language
  • Libel or defame
  • Bully or troll
  • Troll patrol. Instead, flag suspect activity.
comments powered by Disqus