Diverse political factions have been the cause of dispute in every country, throughout every decade of history. Canada is no exception. From liberalism to socialism to conservatism, Canada has a long history of political dissension. Not that this dissension is necessarily a bad thing. After all, without different political parties, it would be virtually impossible for Parliament or the provincial legislatures to function. A workable governmental system must depend on the loyalty of one party's colleagues to stand behind them while the other party provides appropriate criticisms.
While most times, a Canadian citizen's choice of party affiliation stems from a commonality of ideals and principles, it can also be based on nothing but family tradition. Regardless, the existence of political parties in Canada gives Canadian citizens "a voice" in politics and allows them to feel that they can influence the way their country is run. Resting comfortably in the middle of the political spectrum, Liberalism's roots are firm in Canada's political history. Liberalism has generated supporters and adversaries from the time the second Prime Minister of Canada, Alexander Mackenzie, became a member of the Liberal Party all the way up until today, where Liberalism continues to dominate the House of Commons.
The Liberal Party of Canada was originally called the "Reform Party", with its far left members acquiring the nickname of "Clear Grit". Even after the party members became officially known as "Liberals", the term "grits" stuck with them.
Liberalism in Canada has historically been based on two issues: the promise to improve economic and social standards and the promise to heighten the respect and acknowledgement of Canadians. Most Liberals are also in favor of lower tariffs and improved relations with the United States.
The Great Depression of the Thirties was a highly disruptive period in Canadian history, politically, socially and economically. Liberalists, however, continued to defend the policies that had failed in the past. Many of its members began to demand that the government be in charge of finding work for Canada's unemployed, and they insisted that the wealth of the nation be divided equally to improve the quality of life of its citizens. This was the beginning of the rise of the Socialist movement in Canada, and it was also the beginning of a host of bitter disagreements as well as incessant public condemnation of political adversaries.
Although the first Socialist Party of Canada was actually founded in 1905, it did not gain any notable influence until the 1930's. Several members of the old party went on to form the current Socialist Party of Canada in 1931, proclaiming the following statement as their motto: "Our objective is to encourage the establishment of a system of society based upon the common ownership and democratic control of the means and instruments for producing and distributing wealth by and in the interest of society as a whole".
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