The data in the attached table compare 1984 with 2000. The turn-outs decline in each province but there are strange observations. The percentage declines were lowest in Yukon and highest in NWT and Ontario. Another dysfunctional aspect of our democracy is in political finances. It begins with the unprecedented generosity of the tax assistance to supplement the funds contributed to the party by supporters.
Corporations can deduct contributions as business expenses.
Political contributions by individuals get the most generous tax treatment of anything in the tax code. The political parties apparently have a very wide discretion to spend these funds. These may including such items as clothing allowances, golf memberships, and home furnishings. Joe Clark, Preston Manning, and Stockwell Day have all had their lifestyles enhanced by their respective, tax-supported parties. While still looking at spending it's interesting to look at the 1997 Election Results based on money spent.