Prof. Tamara Small, Department of Political Science, spoke to CBC News about two ousted Ontario members of provincial parliament who have decided to start their own political party.

Small said while she is supportive of new voices in democracy, in practical politics, it’s difficult for new parties to be successful. She noted these are not the first Conservative political candidates to splinter off into their own party, citing the short-lived Reform Party as an example.

Small researches several areas of politics, including the use of the internet by Canadian politicians, e-campaigning, political memes and on the regulatory framework for digital technologies in Canadian elections.