"What the government has to do, if it wants to govern for any length of time, is it must appeal primarily to the third parties in the House of Commons to get them to support it"

In this quote, previous Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is highlighting the importance of attracting 3rd parties in the House of Commons in order to preserve an effective federal government. He recommends that in order to govern successfully for a continual period of time, the government must prioritize getting the assistance of these third parties. This could mean jeopardizing and finding common ground with opposing parties in order to pass legislation and maintain stability in the federal government. Harper's declaration stresses the essential role that third parties play in the functioning of a government and the requirement for collaboration and cooperation in order to accomplish long-lasting success.