After 11 years of bringing you local reporting, the team behind the Vancouver Observer has moved on to Canada's National Observer. You can follow Vancouver culture reporting over there from now on. Thank you for all your support over the years!

Harper's Canada: Fact sheets exploring Conservative government policy

To help Canadians understand what's been going on in our federal government, here's your guide to our series of cheat sheets on today's Conservative politics.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Conservative majority government have been very busy this year, and some recent political developments have Canadians on edge. Whether it's regarding public safety, election fraud or the environment, decisions made in Ottawa have a great impact on the lives of citizens across the country. But these decisions are not always easy to follow.

This series of fact sheets provides a brief overview of key events and issues at the forefront of today's Canadian politics.

Harper's Canada: A Conservative government policy cheat sheet

An introduction to Canada's electoral system, explaining our current government and how Harper and the Conservatives got to where they are today.

Harper’s Canada: An environmental policy cheat sheet

Detailed notes on the unfolding drama around Canada's oil economy, oil sands pipeline proposals and the impact of the country's withdrawal from the Kyoto Protocol.

Harper’s Canada: A public safety and privacy cheat sheet

A brief explanation of Conservative legislation aiming to ramp up law enforcement, including threats to personal privacy.

Harper’s Canada: A local and provincial politics cheat sheet

A look at how Conservative policy is trickling down to affect traditionally liberal local and provincial governments.

Harper’s Canada: Threats to democracy

Notes on the ongoing scandal involving alleged election fraud and voter robo-calls, in addition to other tactics that could be seen as "dirty tricks".

More in Politics

Gitxsan leaders join BC First Nations to vote for Anyone But Clark (ABC)

Two Gitxsan house groups, Gwininitxw and Luutkudziiwus urge voting that will empower First Nations, support communities, environment, and economic well-being.

B.C. Premier defends Bill 20 amendments

British Columbia Premier Christy Clark said Tuesday that a controversial provision in Bill 20 is meant to create “a level playing field” for all the political parties. Her comments come on the heels...

Jacobs and Florida and Gehl oh my! Who really influences our local politicians?

Still undecided about who to vote for? Second guessing yourself? Who really influences and inspires those candidates who are running for a seat in Vancouver's City Hall?
Speak up about this article on Facebook or Twitter. Do this by liking Vancouver Observer on Facebook or following us @Vanobserver on Twitter. We'd love to hear from you.