Harper had to go. The rest of the world was noticing the mean-spiritedness and dictatorial style. People were talking.

And that was foolish. Canada's economic performance during (I won't say under) a Conservative government has remained very good. Canadians enjoy some of the highest quality of life in the world. Harper could have coasted, but instead he decided to pick fights on weird issues like the niqab.

So partly this is so long Harper. It's partly just "throw the bums out", which happens eventually no matter what because the population gets bored.

I expect there will be a small adjustment back towards a kinder, gentler Canada, and things will go on much as they have done.