Stephen Harper's Conservative government, which only held a slim majority in Parliament, was bolstered by a series of floor crossings and by-elections in the two years since the last election. These saw the Conservative party gain three seats while the Liberal Party, under new leader Stéphane Dion, lost six. After facing increasing opposition in the House of Commons, Harper asked Governor General Michaëlle Jean to call an election for October 14, 2008, seeking a stronger mandate from Canadians. Over the following four weeks, Conservative Leader Stephen Harper, Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion, NDP Leader Jack Layton, and Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe hit the campaign trail to persuade Canadians that they had the policies and the vision to lead the country into the future.
Watch CPAC's on-the-ground reporting from ridings across the country, hear the opinions of Canadians, and watch the party leaders speak to the most important issues of their day in our 2008 election archive.
Leaders' Tour
CPAC crosses the country, following the candidates vying to be prime minister. Hear what they have to say and how they're connecting with Canadian voters.
Campaign Politics
As candidates hit the campaign trail, CPAC delves into closely-watched federal and provincial election races across the country on Campaign Politics. Meet the candidates and see the issues at the grassroots level. It's the essential voters' guide for armchair politicos and aficionados alike.
PrimeTime Politics
PrimeTime Politics is a comprehensive round-up of the day in Canadian politics, from breaking stories to developments on longstanding issues. Key moments, feature interviews, panels, in-depth analysis and more.
Revue Politique
Host Pierre Donais goes beyond the sound bites with coverage of the latest political and public events, with thought-provoking interviews and analysis.
Vote 2008: Complete coverage
Live, daily coverage of the federal election: Leaders' Tour, campaign news, major events, breaking stories, and more.
