Stephen Harper's Tory victory in the Canadian elections may be a more stable and significant political change than it appeared on the morning after.(The Week ...)(Brief Article)

Stephen Harper's Tory victory in the Canadian elections may be a more stable and significant political change than it appeared on the morning after. Tories were inevitably chastened when their tally of seats won left them well short of an overall majority in the Ottawa parliament. The polls had led them to expect better. Still, there is no appetite in the opposition parties for a third election in just a couple of years. Harper has cultivated respectful, even cordial, relations with the leaders of the New Democrats and the Bloc Quebecois. And the Liberals are just about to enter a time of troubles with an uncertain leadership election taking place against the background of scandal investigations and even trials that will advertise their deep corruption. Harper should be able not only to stay in power but to get most of his moderate program through parliament until an election in two or three years entrenches him in office with a real mandate. ...