OTTAWA - Canada underwent its 43rd general election on Monday, with approx. 66% of the electorate (18M people) voting in the election.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, was re-elected to parliament with this party securing 157 (down from 177 prior to the election) of 338 seats in the House of Commons – not quite to secure a majority. Prime Minister Trudeau will continue to lead the government, likely with support from many sides of the House.
The Conservative Party of Canada increased the number of seats from 95 to 121 – solidifying its position as the Official Opposition.
The issue of whether or not the federal government should ‘re-open’ the abortion ‘debate’ was among the top issues discussed by leaders. The Liberal Party, New Democratic Party and Green Party all came out strongly in support of measures to increase access to abortion. The Conservative Party limited its comments on the issue to a commitment to not ‘reopen’ the debate, at the federal level.
Midway through the campaign, the Conservative Party of Canada announced a proposed cut Canada’s aid budget by 25%, with a focus on reducing aid to ‘middle income countries,’ while maintaining a commitment to Canada’s recent ‘SRHR investment, including its focus on abortion.’
The NDP and Green Party both committed to increasing Canada’s aid budget to 0.7%.
The LPD, NDP and Green party all reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to Canada’s existing financial and policy commitments to global SRHR.
Overall, the outcome of the election in terms of Canada’s support for SRHR, globally and domestically, is positive. The Liberal Party will likely maintain a strong commitment to its Feminist International Assistance Policy, and 2019 10-year commitment of $14B for women and children’s health and rights (with a dedicated focus on SRHR). The NDP will play an important role holding the LPC accountable to its commitments in this area.
In terms of allied parliamentarians, CAPPD members Dr. Hedy Fry, Pam Damoff, Anita Vandenbeld, Yasmin Ratansi and Raj Saini (all from the LPC) were re-elected. There are also a number of new parliamentarians with strong connections to global and domestic issues that Action Canada will approach to join CAPPD in the coming weeks.
Former Development and Status of Women Minister, the Honourable Maryam Monsef and former Development Minister, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau were both re-elected.
