Forget the pundits, the in-depth treatments, the opinion polls, the for-hire spin doctors and all the other effluvia that rise when the election waters are stirred in Canada. At this writing it is uncertain on what date a federal General Election will be held, but when all the entrails have been studied, the advisers consulted, and nerves steeled, a date in June may be selected by Prime Minister Paul Martin.

That being the case, we Canadians will be faced with the task of determining whether to elect a majority or minority government.

Leaving personalities and parties aside, and based solely on one individual's apolitical observance of party politics over more than forty years, the two most productive periods when legislation favourable to citizens was passed in the House of Commons were when the balance of power was held by the New Democratic Party.

It is a point worth remembering.

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