Coalitions Are Not the Only Option

Video: David Peterson and Bob Rae recall how they made legislative history with an accord in 1985.

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Contrary to Stephen Harper's claim in the recent debates, the party with the most seats has not always formed a government. In fact, the 1985 accord between the New Democrats and Liberals in Ontario saw David Peterson form a government with four fewer seats than the provincial Conservatives. Canada's only precedent of a true coalition government occurred when Conservative Sir Robert Borden shared executive power with Liberal Sir Wilfrid Laurier. However, there is a rich tradition in Canada of other governing arrangements in minority situations.

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