Canada has five major Federal political parties, each representing a distinct vision of Canada. The Liberal Party of Canada, Conservative Party of Canada, New Democratic Party, Green Party of Canada, and Bloc Quebecois, all have distinct economic, social and political views that appeal to different members of the electorate.

Requirements: 2-3 pages

CAN149 Political Parties Research Assignment

Canada has five major Federal political parties, each representing a distinct vision of Canada. The Liberal Party of Canada, Conservative Party of Canada, New Democratic Party, Green Party of Canada, and Bloc Quebecois, all have distinct economic, social and political views that appeal to different members of the electorate.

This assignment asks you to familiarize yourself with one of the above parties and to write a brief research-based report profiling the political party you have selected. In your paper you must:

Identify the current leader of the party and provide a brief bio

Explain the party’s position within the House of Commons – what function they serve

Give a brief history of the party from inception to the present

Explain their major ideological positions (political philosophy)

Identify key economic positions and their importance (taxes, debt etc.)

Identify key social positions and their importance (ex. education, health care, environment)

The basis of your research should be the official party websites, particularly the official platforms of each party. Other sections, like political philosophy, will require light outside research using Seneca Library and scholarly internet sources. You must cite your work using the APA citation method. The APA citation guide is available via Seneca’s library page and has been posted for you under the Course Information section on Blackboard.

The assignment should be approximately 5 pages, double spaced, using 12 point font and 1 inch margins. The assignment is worth 20% of your course grade.

Grading Criteria

Content 25% – The Paper is well researched and factually accurate, the student demonstrates an understanding of the historical context of the party, identifies major ideological components of the party, fully identifies key platform positions both social and economic, and contextualizes the party in the broader political structure of Canada

Analysis 25% – The student demonstrates critical thinking in assessing ideological positions and contradictions, evaluates the importance of platform positions, identifies priorities of political parties, and articulates how these positions relate to specific political actions

Organization 25% – The paper is ordered logically, ideas are fully explored in appropriate sections, the student uses full paragraphs and sentences to express thoughts, and commentary is integrated in a sophisticated manner

Style 25% – The paper observes proper APA citation style, is free of any spelling and grammatical errors, professional language and tone are observed at all times, consistent document formatting standards are observed

The paper is due on Wednesday September 27 at 11.59pm

Any late papers will receive a penalty of 5% per day so please make sure you submit on time. You need to submit the assignment electronically via Blackboard. Please post as a file and observe formatting restrictions. Word Files are preferred.