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List of Canadian Political Parties

Last Updated : 18 Mar, 2024
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There are total 5 major political parties in Canada. The political landscape of Canada is as diverse as the country itself. It includes a wide range of ideologies and visions for the future of the country. This country has well-established parties that have shaped Canada’s governance for decades and some new groups too that want to address specific issues or represent particular regions.

Below is the list of List of Canadian Political Parties in table below.

List of Canadian Political Parties

The current represented political parties of Canada’s House of Commons show the diverse political spectrum of the country. These parties were elected during the 2021 Canadian federal election, which took place on September 20, 2021.

Here’s the list of all the major represented political parties of Canada :

Political Parties in Canada

Name

Founded

Ideology

Leader

MPs

Largest MP Caucus

Political Position

Liberal Party of Canada

1867

Liberalism, Social liberalism

Justin Trudeau

157 / 338

179 / 245 (1940)

Centre to centre-left

Conservative Party of Canada

2003

Conservatism, Economic liberalism

Pierre Poilievre

118 / 338

166 / 308 (2011)

Centre-right to right-wing

Bloc Québécois

1991

Quebec sovereignty, Social democracy, Regionalism

Yves-François Blanchet

32 / 338

54 / 295 (1993)

Centre-left

New Democratic Party

1961

Social democracy, Democratic socialism

Jagmeet Singh

25 / 338

103 / 308 (2011)

Centre-left to left-wing

Green Party of Canada

1983

Green politics

Elizabeth May

2 / 338

3 / 338 (2019)

Centre-left to left-wing

Liberal Party of Canada

The Liberal Party of Canada is one of the country’s oldest political parties. It has a long history of governing, with a focus on liberalism and social liberalism. The party aims to balance economic growth with social justice and environmental sustainability. Under the leadership of Justin Trudeau, the Liberals have emphasized inclusivity, diversity, and progressive policies.

  • Leader: Justin Trudeau
  • Founded: 1867
  • Ideology: Liberalism, Social liberalism
  • MPs: 157 out of 338
  • Largest MP Caucus: 179 in 1940
  • Political Position: Centre to centre-left

Conservative Party of Canada

The Conservative Party of Canada emerged from the merger of the Canadian Alliance and the Progressive Conservative Party. It advocates for conservatism and economic liberalism, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, lower taxes, and a leaner government. Pierre Poilievre leads the party, focusing on economic issues and the promotion of traditional values.

  • Leader: Pierre Poilievre
  • Founded: 2003
  • Ideology: Conservatism, Economic liberalism
  • MPs: 118 out of 338
  • Largest MP Caucus: 166 in 2011
  • Political Position: Centre-right to right-wing

Bloc Québécois

The Bloc Québécois champions Quebec sovereignty and social democracy. It seeks greater autonomy for Quebec within Canada and promotes the interests of Quebecers at the federal level. Under Yves-François Blanchet’s leadership, the party focuses on protecting Quebec’s French language and culture, as well as advocating for social justice policies.

  • Leader: Yves-François Blanchet
  • Founded: 1991
  • Ideology: Quebec sovereignty, Social democracy, Regionalism
  • MPs: 32 out of 338
  • Largest MP Caucus: 54 in 1993
  • Political Position: Centre-left

New Democratic Party

The New Democratic Party (NDP) is a center-left to left-wing party that promotes social democracy and democratic socialism. Led by Jagmeet Singh, the NDP focuses on healthcare, affordable housing, and climate change. It aims to create a fairer and more equitable society for all Canadians, advocating for workers’ rights and social justice.

  • Leader: Jagmeet Singh
  • Founded: 1961
  • Ideology: Social democracy, Democratic socialism
  • MPs: 25 out of 338
  • Largest MP Caucus: 103 in 2011
  • Political Position: Centre-left to left-wing

Green Party of Canada

The Green Party of Canada prioritizes environmental issues, advocating for sustainable development and green policies. The party seeks to address climate change, promote renewable energy, and ensure environmental protection. The Greens aim to balance ecological responsibility with social and economic justice.

  • Leader: Elizabeth May
  • Founded: 1983
  • Ideology: Green politics
  • MPs: 2 out of 338
  • Largest MP Caucus: 3 in 2019
  • Political Position: Centre-left to left-wing

Registered Political Parties in Canada

There are a few registered political parties in Canada that are not currently represented in the House of Commons. They are eligible to run candidates in future federal elections. Let’s learn about them in the table below.

Registered Canadian Parties

Name

Founded

Leader

Largest MP Caucus

Animal Protection Party

2005

Liz White

Centrist Party of Canada

2020

A. Q. Rana

Christian Heritage Party

1986

Rodney L. Taylor

Communist Party of Canada

1921

Elizabeth Rowley

2 / 245

(1943)

Free Party Canada

2019

Michel Leclerc

Libertarian Party of Canada

1973

Jacques Y. Boudreau

Marijuana Party

2000

Blair T. Longley

Marxist–Leninist Party of Canada

1970

Anna Di Carlo

Maverick Party

2020

Colin Krieger

People’s Party of Canada

2018

Maxime Bernier

1 / 338

(2018)

Rhinoceros Party

2006

Sébastien CoRhino

United Party of Canada

2024

Grant Abraham

Animal Protection Party

Founded in 2005, this party focuses on animal rights and environmentalism. It aims to protect animals and their habitats. The party advocates for laws that ensure animal welfare and environmental conservation. It has contested in several elections, aiming to bring attention to these issues.

Centrist Party of Canada

Established in 2020, the Centrist Party seeks to offer moderate political solutions. It emphasizes balance and pragmatism in governance, aiming to bridge the gap between left and right-wing politics. The party focuses on policies that promote social harmony and economic stability.

Christian Heritage Party

Since 1986, this party has promoted social conservatism and Christian values. It advocates for policies that reflect traditional family values and moral principles based on Christian teachings. The party aims to influence Canadian politics with these core beliefs.

Communist Party of Canada

Founded in 1921, it is one of Canada’s oldest political parties. It promotes communism and Marxism-Leninism, aiming for a classless society. The party focuses on workers’ rights, social justice, and ending capitalist exploitation.

Free Party Canada

Started in 2019, this party is known for its stance on vaccine hesitancy. It questions mainstream medical practices and promotes freedom of choice in health decisions. The party seeks to represent those skeptical of mandatory vaccination policies.

Libertarian Party of Canada

Established in 1973, this party champions libertarianism and laissez-faire economics. It advocates for minimal government intervention in personal lives and the economy, emphasizing individual freedom and responsibility.

Marijuana Party

Since 2000, the Marijuana Party has focused on cannabis law reforms. It advocates for the legalization and regulation of marijuana, arguing for its benefits and the right to personal freedom of choice regarding cannabis use.

Marxist–Leninist Party of Canada

Founded in 1970, this party promotes communism and Marxism-Leninism. It seeks to establish a socialist society through revolutionary means, focusing on the interests of the working class and opposing capitalist systems.

Maverick Party

Established in 2020, the Maverick Party advocates for Western separatism, conservatism, and right-wing populism. It aims to represent the interests of Western Canadians, promoting policies that benefit these regions specifically.

People’s Party of Canada

Founded in 2018 by Maxime Bernier, this party emphasizes conservatism, right-libertarianism, and right-wing populism. It advocates for reduced immigration, free-market policies, and individual freedoms, challenging mainstream political narratives.

Rhinoceros Party

A satirical party re-established in 2006, it uses humor and absurdity to critique Canadian politics. It does not seek to govern but rather to entertain and provoke thought on the political process and policies.

United Party of Canada

The newest party, founded in 2024, focuses on social conservatism. It aims to promote policies that uphold traditional values and social structures, advocating for a conservative approach to social issues.

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List of Canadian Political Parties – FAQs

How Many Canadian Political Parties are there?

There are over 20 registered political parties in Canada.

What are the Five Main Political Parties in Canada?

The five main political parties in Canada are the Liberal Party, Conservative Party, New Democratic Party (NDP), Bloc Québécois, and Green Party.

Name the Canadian Political Parties and their Leaders?

Liberal Party РJustin Trudeau, Conservative Party РPierre Poilievre, NDP РJagmeet Singh, Bloc Qu̩b̩cois РYves-Fran̤ois Blanchet, Green Party РElizabeth May.

What does the Conservative Party of Canada believe in?

The Conservative Party of Canada believes in fiscal conservatism, free market principles, and a limited role for government in economic affairs.

What does Liberal Party of Canada believe in?

The Liberal Party of Canada believes in social liberalism, supporting social justice, individual rights, and a mixed economy.

What is the Right Wing Party in Canada?

The Conservative Party of Canada is considered the main right-wing party in Canada. It advocates for conservative economic policies, smaller government, and traditional values.



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