More than 200 enthusiastic students, faculty, and members of the public gathered in the River Building last night to await the results of the 2015 Federal Election.
Political Science Professor Jonathon Malloy kicked off the evening with a panel discussion in which he asked the audience for a show of hands based on who they thought would be the winner.
Only a few chose a Liberal majority win, with most in the audience expecting a Liberal minority. Few expected a Conservative or NDP victory.
When Professor Malloy posed the question to a panel of faculty members, Political Science Professor Steve White was hesitant to make a prediction.
“My initial remarks in our panel discussion were about how, for a variety of reasons, it was tough to guess how this particular election night would unfold,” says Professor White. “Like many people, I was surprised by the speed with which the outcome became obvious. As soon as the numbers from Atlantic Canada rolled in, it was clear the Liberals would have not a good night, but a great night.”
The eventual results led to gasps of surprise as well-known MPs lost their seats-including political science alumnus and NDP incumbent Paul Dewar-and as the scope of the Liberal victory took shape.
Panelist Frances Woolley, the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Curriculum and Planning in FPA, was struck by the energy in the room.
“There was a lot of excitement and engagement. I think it’s a real tribute to Carleton students and faculty that we can have an event like this and it can be truly non-partisan—celebrating democracy and coming together across party lines.”
Professors Woolley and White were joined on stage by Professor Stephanie Carvin of the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs. The event was introduced by Dean André Plourde of the Faculty of Public Affairs.
“It was fantastic to see so many of our students, faculty and members of the public come together to celebrate this democratic exercise,” said Dean Plourde. “This is reflective of our efforts at FPA to facilitate the public conversation about the issues that matter most in our society.”
The election night event was part of FPA Connects, an event series aimed at undergraduate students tied to the 2015 federal election and civic engagement. The next event in this series will be a panel discussion and networking session with professionals working in the political realm entitled, “How to Get that Job”.
Register for this event here.
