This past week has brought some close fought contests, some blowouts, some intriguing upsets, and leaders getting fired. And that was just a busy weekend in college football.

Canada's 40th federal election had its share of interesting storylines, yet it failed to shake up the political landscape as predicted. As Canadians grumble about the high price tag of an unnecessary election, it is helpful to recall what we have learned from the exercise.

First, we have learned that no party has been able to establish itself as a dominant national force. The Conservatives and Liberals duked it out in key battlegrounds across the country yet neither could muster the support that produced majorities for Mulroney or Chrétien.

Second, we have learned that the Canadian electoral system continues to reward parties who develop strong regional bases of support. The Bloc for instance garnered fifty seats with a ten percent share of the national vote.

Third, we learned that the Green party's struggles will persist. Despite an energized base, a visible leader, and a spot in the debate, the Greens were once again left without a seat in the House of Commons. Their share of the national popular vote increased to almost seven percent, yet they continued to split votes with the NDP and Liberals in key ridings. In retrospect this election has offered little new insight; it does however leave one interesting question to ponder.

Which leader will be the first to get turfed by their party?

By many definitions all national party leaders failed to achieve their goals. Stéphane Dion's Liberals lost ground. Jack Layton — who made it quite clear that he was campaigning for the Prime Minister's job — fell far short of his goal. The Conservatives failed to win a majority government, and the Greens failed to win a single seat.

The only leader who can arguably claim victory was Gilles Duceppe and he almost left his party last year to run for the leadership of the provincial Parti Québécois. As each party takes stock of their fortunes, it will be interesting to see which ones opt for a change at the top. It is quite conceivable that next election will see at least one new party leader.

The 2008 election was notable for one reason: turnout. Voter turnout had been on a steady downward slide since 1988. The 2006 edition seemed to buck the trend and signal resurgence. This most recent election did follow a trend, albeit the one set by the TSX. With a paltry 59 per cent of eligible voters showing up at the polls, Canadians have reached an all time low with the most basic exercise of democratic participation.

So in essence, what we have learned - above all else - is that when it comes to politics, Canadians don't seem to care.
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