Ottawa

:This article is about the capital city of Canada. For other meanings see Ottawa (disambiguation).

Politics

:See also: Canadian federal election results in Ottawa

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In addition to being the capital of Canada, Ottawa is politically diverse with regard to local politics. Most of the city traditionally supports the Liberal Party, although only some parts of the city are consistent Liberal strongholds. Perhaps the safest areas for the Liberals are the ones dominated by francophones, especially in Vanier and central Gloucester. Central Ottawa is usually more left-leaning, and the New Democratic Party can win ridings there as government unions and activist groups are fairly strong. Some of Ottawa's suburbs are swing areas, notably central Nepean and, despite its francophone population, Orléans. The southern and western parts of the old city of Ottawa are generally moderate or slightly left of centre but periodically swing to the Conservative Party The farther one goes from the city centre - into suburban fringes like Kanata and Barrhaven and rural areas - the voters tend to be increasingly conservative, both fiscally and socially. This is especially true in the former Townships of West Carleton, Goulbourn, Rideau and Osgoode, which are more in line with the staunchly conservative areas in the surrounding counties. However not all rural areas support the Conservative Party. Rural parts of the former township of Cumberland, with a large number of francophones, traditionally support the Liberal Party, though their support has recently weakened.

Related Topics:
Liberal Party - Francophones - Vanier - Gloucester - Left - New Democratic Party - Nepean - Orléans - Conservative Party - Kanata - Barrhaven - West Carleton - Goulbourn - Rideau - Osgoode - Counties - Cumberland

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:See also: List of Northwest Territories capitals

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Ottawa has also served as the capital of the Northwest Territories from 1905 to 1955 and alternated legislative sessions with Yellowknife, Northwest Territories from 1955 to 1967. Ottawa became the capital when the territories reverted to 1870 constitutional status, after Alberta, and Saskatchewan were carved out.

Related Topics:
Northwest Territories - Yellowknife, Northwest Territories - Alberta - Saskatchewan

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