Divided we stand, for now

A Liberal minority government does nothing to ease Prairie rage

After an election campaign that polarized and divided the country, many Canadians awoke Tuesday feeling like the morning after a bitter argument with your spouse.

Liberals ceded 27 seats and were shut out of two embittered provinces — Alberta and Saskatchewan — and hopes of making major gains in Quebec were rebuffed.

Only by holding the line in Ontario,

where Liberals lost just one seat, was the party able to retain power, John Ivison writes.

Trudeau will now look to govern on an ad hoc basis with the help of Jagmeet Singh, who looked happy despite losing nearly half his caucus.

Andrew Scheer gave the best speech of his entire campaign as he conceded, perhaps motivated by the sense that his coat is hanging on a wobbly peg. The reality is that the Conservatives lost an election that was theirs to win.

There was a time when party leaders awaited the results, placed a congratulatory telephone call, then, in order of their party standing, appeared before their supporters. Not this time, Andrew Cohen writes.

The leaders addressed the nation, talking over each other, offering platitudes, threats, cries and laments. Pitch perfect, tone deaf.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, meanwhile, warned of deepening Western resentments, repeating earlier warnings about rising separatist sentiments in the province.

Saskatchewan’s Scott Moe said the results confirm a fire of frustration burns in Western Canada.

And what does a minority government mean for Ottawa?

For one thing, Jon Willing points out, there is much to be done preparing for Phase 3 of LRT before senior levels of government commit funding. A transit-friendly minority government might not last long enough.