The Liberal Party of Canada (Parti libéral du Canada), colloquially known as the Grits (originally "Clear Grits"), is a Canadian federal political party. The organization is located in the centre of the Canadian political spectrum, combining a liberal social policy with moderate economic policies. The party has been frequently dubbed "Canada's natural governing party", since it has been in power most of the time since the Great Depression, and starting with Wilfrid Laurier in 1896 every non-interim leader of the party (excepting current leader Stéphane Dion) has served as Prime Minister of Canada. The party has formed the Official Opposition in the Parliament of Canada since February 2006.
After the dissolution of the Progressive Conservative Party on the formation of the new Conservative Party of Canada, the Liberal Party is the only party remaining from Confederation, and is Canada's oldest functioning party at the federal level. The Liberal Party held power for more years of the 20th century than did any other party in any developed western country.
The party is led by Stéphane Dion, who was elected to the position at the party's leadership convention on December 2, 2006.
