Although ideology has only played a minor role in Canadian federal politics, we can still illustrate major distinctions between each of the dominating and active parties by their beliefs or values. Political parties seek control of government in order to carry out their ideas of what public policy should be. In Canada, federal parties have varied considerably in terms of how they have complied with a constant set of ideas; that is, some have been ideological while others have been pragmatic.
According to Carty, Liberals believe that the rights of an individual are more important than the rights of the state (Carty 180). They believe that the individual should be given the chance to shape their own lives and reach the limit of their own potential. Another tenet of the Liberal ideology is equality of the human condition (i.e. equality employment, education, and training regardless of color, creed, sex, or family background).
English: John Bracken, premier of Manitoba 1922-19...
English: Joe Clark, then leader of the Progressive...
Party logo in 1984However, Chamber states that the Liberal party in fact is not ideological at all, "the Liberal party will say anything and do anything to win power"� (Chamber 59). This is a definition of a pragmatic political party one who thinks of the way, to win the popular vote thinking only of short-term solutions rather than long-term goals.
The New Democratic Party emphasizes justice and seeks fundamental change to our present economics, politics, and social agendas (Chambers 64). This political party is one of the more idealistic party in its underlying beliefs, which has specific goals for social change. The primary purpose of the New Democratic Party is to offer a vision for Canada where the individuals come first; and to present a clear socialist political alternative. The New Democratic Party believe in the elimination of the capitalist economic problems. This particular party also strongly holds its view and...