When we started our MP Exit Interview project, among the decisions we had to make was which group of MPs we'd seek to interview first. Some suggested only interviewing those who retired (versus those who lost in an election, as they might have hard feelings). Others argued we should start with the oldest living MPs, or with women MPs or with those serving in cabinet.
In the end, we opted to start with those who recently left public life, regardless of how they left. After all, losing is often part of the experience too. The creation of new political parties as well as wider technological change have changed our politics and we figured these MPs would have the most relevant perspectives.
We decided to go back two parliaments, or about five years, meaning we'd be speaking to those who left public life during or after the 38th and 39th Parliaments.
For most people (including us before we started our MP exit interview project), the 38th and 39th Parliaments didn't mean anything really. Most of us outside Ottawa (and even inside Ottawa) can be excused for not thinking about time in this way.
Simply speaking, those were the last two completed Parliaments (we're currently in the 40th). They were both minorities too, meaning everyone we've spoken to has experience serving in that context.
The 38th Parliament followed the June 2004 election, and sat from October 2004 until November 2005. It was Paul Martin's Liberal minority government, with Stephen Harper (Conservatives), Jack Layton (NDP) and Gilles Duceppe (Bloc) in opposition.
The 39th Parliament came after the January 2006 election, and sat from April 2006 to September 2008. This was Stephen Harper's first Conservative minority. The Liberals had two leaders during this time (Bill Graham as interim, followed by Stéphane Dion). Layton and Duceppe remained at the helm of the NDP and the Bloc, respectively.
In the coming few Mondays, we'll take you on a little journey down political and policy memory lane with a look at the events that shaped these two parliaments and the MPs who served in them.