Canadian politics in one lesson

A Conservative Prime Minister gets a standing ovation from a group of Indo-Canadian businessmen, traditionally supporters of the Liberal Party. Is this because of his pledge to hold an inquiry into the Air India affair? His declaration of interest in a trade and investment pact with India? His praise of Indo-Canadian values of hard work and higher education? Is it because, according to the Indian High Commissioner, he is "even more handsome" in person than on TV? Uh, no.

Indo-Canadians have traditionally been supporters of the Liberal Party in Canada, but as the community prospers that may change, said Kam Rathee, executive director of the Canada-India Business Council. "There's a disillusionment amongst the community because they backed the Liberals for so long, but they haven't gotten anything in return," he said, referring to the lack of South Asian appointments to government boards and agencies. "Also, Indians by nature are a conservative people. And they like to back a winning horse."