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Home · Politics · Provincial/Territorial Politics · Ontario Elections: 25 Tumultuous Years

Topic spans: 1985 - 2002

Ontario Elections: 25 Tumultuous Years

The Ontario Legislature used to be called "the dullest chamber in all of Canada." For 42 years, the Progressive Conservatives and their "Big Blue Machine" ruled the province. But 1985 ushered the PCs out and an age of turbulence in with a Liberal-NDP coalition. In the next three elections, voters handed majorities to all three parties: a sweep for the Liberals, a stunning NDP victory and a sharp right turn with Mike Harris's Common Sense Revolution. In 2002, it looked like a new blue era was settling in, with Harris passing the Tory torch to Ernie Eves. But Dalton McGuinty's Liberals swept the 2003 and 2007 elections and won a third time with a minority in 2011. 

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11 television clips
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10 radio clips

Down with the dynasty

Broadcast Date: May 27, 1985

In 1985 Ontario politics get exciting. Just weeks after Frank Miller's Conservatives win a minority government, an NDP-Liberal coalition topples the long-standing PC dynasty. In this CBC clip, Valerie Pringle talks to the deal's powerbroker Bob Rae. The coalition started what would become 20 turbulent years of election history.

Visit CBC Archives Web Site for more on Ontario Elections: 20 Tumultuous Years.

Down with the dynasty

• Rae and Peterson agreed the coalition to oust the Tory dynasty would last for two years.

• The temporary government would enact legislation only if it was agreed upon by both the NDP and Liberals.

• Before approaching the Liberals, Rae first proposed the coalition to Miller and his Tories who declined the offer.


• The coalition meant that Peterson — who held more seats than Rae — assumed the leadership role in the premier's office.

• In terms of legislation, Peterson focused on francophone rights, health care and the environment.


• Rae also wanted to reform Canadian environmental practices. During his election campaign, Rae set up publicly televised events at the site of environmental spills to expose and embarrass the companies responsible.

Down with the dynasty

Medium: Television

Program: Midday

Broadcast Date: May 27, 1985

Guest(s): Bob Rae


Host: Bill Cameron, Valerie Pringle

Duration: 6:59

Last updated:
July 23, 2009


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