Blue Grit
A Blue Grit, also known as a Blue Liberal, is a Canadian political term for a right of centre member or supporter of the federal Liberal Party, or many of the provincial Liberal parties in Canada. Blue Grits generally advocate for Liberals to adopt a liberal conservatism, mixing fiscal conservatism and economic liberalism, while also emphazing socially liberal or progressive policies. The term has also been applied to former Progressive Conservative Party of Canada members who are now Liberals, such as Scott Brison, David Orchard, and John Herron.
The Conservative counterparts of Blue Liberals are Red Tories, who generally advocate for a similar program.
Notable adherents
Notable Blue Grits include:
- John Turner, Prime Minister of Canada (1984) and minister of finance (1972–1975)
- Paul Martin, Prime Minister of Canada (2003–2006) and minister of finance (1993–2003)
- John Manley, Deputy Prime Minister (2002–2003), minister of finance (2003–2003) and minister of industry (1995–2000)
- Martha Hall Findlay, Liberal leadership candidate in 2006 and 2013
- Frank McKenna, Premier of New Brunswick (1987–1997)
- Roy MacLaren, minister of state for finance (1983–1984), minister of national revenue (1984) and minister for international trade (1993–1996)
- Bonnie Crombie, 6th Mayor of Mississauga (2014–2024), leader of the Ontario Liberal Party (2023–present)