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If I were to invent democracy from scratch, I would not have invented political parties at all. Their existence is not a necessary – or even desirable – part of responsible government

We are so accustomed in Canada to the dominance of political labels or “brands,” and to the characteristics of local candidates being a minor element in the gladiatorial contest between national parties and their leaders, that it is something of a surprise to realize how recently political parties became dominant.

Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, ran under the Conservative Party banner, but exerted almost no control over MPs within his own caucus. Macdonald referred to them as “loose fish.” From 1867 to 1974, candidates for office were listed solely by their name on the ballot. Their political party affiliations were not mentioned.

A 1970 legislative amendment changed all this, and 1974 became the first general election in which political parties were listed on the ballots. For the first time, political parties had to register with Elections Canada, field at least 50 candidates across the country and have the party authorize each candidate’s nomination papers in order to be listed on the ballot under that party’s banner.

While this new system introduced beneficial financial reporting and accountability requirements, it also increased the party leader’s power. Without the leader’s signature on the nomination papers, a candidate would be disqualified from running—even if he or she had been duly nominated through a fair nomination race at the local level.

Whatever the rationale for this, the effect was to significantly increase the power of a party leader over his or her caucus. No more “loose fish”! Any sign of veering from the party line could be met with swift and effective retribution.