Fast Facts about democracy in Canada

1918 - The year women secured the right to vote in Canada; 1944 in France; 2005 in Kuwait.

1947 - The year Chinese Canadians secured the right to vote.

1960 - The year non-enfranchised Aboriginal peoples in Canada secured the right to vote.

73.1 - Percentage of Canadians who voted in 1867 federal election: year of confederation.

Two parties - Choice in 1867 federal election: Conservatives 50%; Liberals 49%.

74.2 - Percentage of Canadians who voted in 1935 federal election: mid-Great Depression.

75.3 - Percentage of Canadians who voted in 1945 federal election: end of Second World War.

79.4 - Percentage of Canadians who voted in 1958 federal election: John Diefenbaker’s

Conservative government secured one of largest majorities in Canadian history.

75.7 - Percentage of Canadians who voted in 1968 federal election: Trudeaumania.

75.3 - Percentage of Canadians who voted in 1988 federal election: free trade.

Five parties - Choice in the 2008 federal election: Conservatives, Liberals, NDP, Bloc, Greens.

58.8 - Percentage of Canadians who voted in the 2008 federal election. Historically low.

Source: Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives

Vol. XI No. 18 • May 2, 2011