PM minimizes importance of lost seats
Many Liberals however voice their concerns as two by-elections are lost to the NDP and Conservatives
By Angelo Persichilli
Originally Published: 2002-05-26
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In the opinion of the new leader of the Canadian Alliance, Stephen Harper, who easily won the Calgary Southwest election to succeed Manning, the vote "is a clear message against the policy of this government." Alliance had asked voters to "turn this campaign into a referendum against corruption," and for Harper the results were clear.
Prime Minister Chrétien holds a different view: "We received even more votes than in the previous general election". The results brought some fresh air also to the NDP and to the Tories. New Democratic leader Alexa McDonough said that the voters chose to recognize her party's policy, "the only real alternative to the current administration."
Tory leader Joe Clark was also very satisfied: "It is clear that our party is alive and well, and will continue to play an important role in national politics," he declared.
This is probably good news for the Liberals: as long as the Conservatives and the Alliance stay divided, the political future of the Liberals will remain positive, despite minor losses in local elections.
Canada's Parliament now includes 170 Liberal MPs, 63 Alliance MPs, 37 Bloc Quebecois MPs, 14 NDP MPs and 13 Tories. Three independents and a vacant seat complete the roster.
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