Balancing act: the post-deficit mandate

The Liberals enjoyed a bittersweet victory in the June 2, 1997 federal election. When the election was called on April 28, the government enjoyed a commanding lead in the polls, faced a weak opposition, and had a reasonably strong record on which to campaign. But the election launch itself was wobbly, with Prime Minister Chrétien unable to provide either a strong platform or a clear reason for going early to the people.' The Liberals won, but by a majority of only four seats, and now faced Reform as the official Opposition (along with strong representation for the Bloc Québécois, the Conservatives, and the NDP).2 This was the first back-to-back majority won by the Liberal party since 1953, and the victory gave the government an unusual opportunity to forge ahead on its policy agenda. Ironically, just as it was handed this opportunity, it also seemed to be less sure of its way.