<P> The history of the critical realigning elections in Canada, both nationally and in the provinces, is covered by Argyle (2011). </P> <P> Behiels (2010) suggests that experts in Canadian politics are now reporting that a watershed political realignment is underway, the kind of shift that occurs but once a century . In light of the 2004, 2006, and 2008 minority government elections and the success of Stephen Harper, many journalists, political advisors, and politicians argue that a new political paradigm is emerging, and it is based on Harper's drive for a right - wing political party capable of reconfiguring the role of the state--federal and provincial--in twenty - first - century . Bloomfield and Nossal (2007) suggest that the new political alignment has reshaped Canadian foreign policy, especially in improving relations with the U.S., taking a harder line on the Middle East conflicts, and backing away from the Kyoto Protocol on global warming . </P> <P> According to recent scholarship there have been four party systems in Canada at the federal level since Confederation, each with its own distinctive pattern of social support, patronage relationships, leadership styles, and electoral strategies . Steve Patten identifies four party systems in Canada's political history </P> <Ul> <Li> The first party system emerged from pre-Confederation colonial politics, had its "heyday" from 1896 to 1911 and lasted until the Conscription Crisis of 1917, and was characterized by local patronage administered by the two largest parties, the Liberals and the Conservatives . </Li> <Li> The second system emerged following the First World War, and had its heyday from 1935 to 1957, was characterized by regionalism and saw the emergence of several protest parties, such as the Progressives, the Social Credit Party, and the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation . </Li> <Li> The third system emerged in 1963 and had its heyday from 1968 to 1983 and began to unravel thereafter . The two largest parties were challenged by a strong third party, the New Democratic Party . Campaigns during this era became more national in scope due to electronic media, and involved a greater focus on leadership . The dominant policy of the era was Keynesian economics . </Li> <Li> The fourth party system has involved the rise of the Reform Party, the Bloc Québécois, and the merger of the Canadian Alliance with the Progressive Conservatives . It saw most parties move to one - member - one - vote leadership contests, and a major reform to campaign finance laws in 2004 . The fourth party system has been characterized by market - oriented policies that abandoned Keynesian policies, but maintained the welfare state . </Li> </Ul>

When did the last major realignment in partisanship occur quizlet