Harper forms first Conservative government since 1988

Stephen Harper, as the leader of the Conservative Party, successfully led his party to victory in the Canadian federal election, resulting in the formation of a minority government. This marked a pivotal shift in Canadian politics, as it was the first time a Conservative government had been established since 1988. The Conservative Party emerged from a merger of the Canadian Alliance and the Progressive Conservative Party, which had struggled to maintain a significant presence in the political landscape during the preceding years dominated by the Liberal Party. Harper's campaign focused on issues such as crime, the economy, and government accountability, resonating with a significant portion of the electorate. The Conservative Party secured approximately 40.30% of the total seats in the House of Commons, reflecting a growing discontent with the long-standing Liberal governance under Prime Minister Paul Martin, who had led the party to a minority government prior to the election.