The campaign, which officially began on May 5, was precipitated by opposition MLAs voting down a finance bill. This vote caused the fall of the minority Progressive Conservative government.
The Conservatives wanted to spend $260 million, on roads, schools and infrastructure, instead of putting the money toward the province's $12-billion debt as required by law. Progressive Conservative Leader Rodney MacDonald gambled and lost.
Since the start of the "Great Recession" we have had two provincial elections in Canada. The Liberal government in British Columbia, re-elected. The Progressive Conservative government in Nova Scotia, defeated.
Although there have been noteable exceptions, I believe, there are two common circumstances, which cause the defeat of governments. Length of time in office, and the economy. The economy translates for regular folks, as the unemployment rate.
Does this theory hold up for B.C. and Nova Scotia? Does there appear to be a threshold? You be the judge.
- B.C. Liberals in power for eight years and re-elected
- Nova Scotia PC's in power for ten years and defeated
- B.C.unemployment rate is 7.6%
- Nova Scotia unemployment rate 8.9%.
