Democracy

Hennessy's Index: A number is never just a number April 2011: Democracy 
(download the PDF from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives)

1918
The year women secured the right to vote in Canada. 1944 France. 2005 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 in1988 federal election: free trade.

Five Parties
Choice in the 2008 federal election: Conservative, Liberals, NDP, Bloc, Greens.

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