After all, without different political parties, it would be virtually impossible for Parliament or the provincial legislatures to function. A workable governmental system must depend on the loyalty of one party's colleagues to stand behind them while the other party provides appropriate criticisms. While most times, a Canadian citizen's choice of party affiliation stems from a commonality of ideals and principles, it can also be based on nothing but family tradition. Resting comfortably in the middle of the political spectrum, Liberalism's roots are firm in Canada's political history. Liberalism has generated supporters and adversaries from the time the second Prime Minister of Canada, Alexander Mackenzie, became a member of the Liberal Party all the way up until today, where Liberalism continues to dominate the House of Commons.
Most Liberals are also in favor of lower tariffs and improved relations with the United States.
The Great Depression of the Thirties was a highly disruptive period in Canadian history, politically, socially and economically. Liberalists, however, continued to defend the policies that had failed in the past. Many of its members began to demand that the government be in charge of finding work for Canada's unemployed, and they insisted that the wealth of the nation be divided equally to improve the quality of life of its citizens. This was the beginning of the rise of the Socialist movement in Canada, and it was also the beginning of a host of bitter disagreements as well as incessant public condemnation of political adversaries. Although the first Socialist Party of Canada was actually founded in 1905, it did not gain any notable influence until the 1930's.