Independent candidates in the 2004 Canadian federal election

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During the 2004 federal election in Canada, several independent candidates ran. Chuck Cadman was the only independent to be elected to the House of Commons.

Rosie the Clown, the stage name of Laura Elston, was 46 and had performed as Rosie in Ottawa and Kingston for 15 years. She campaigned in a red wig, jumpsuit and face paint, as a lighthearted, novelty candidacy inspired by groups like the Rhinoceros Party of Canada. She said she wanted to “lighten up” politics while still addressing serious issues. Elston, who had worked as an aide to Flora MacDonald in the 1980s, received 237 votes (0.44%), finishing sixth against Liberal incumbent Peter Milliken. She should not be confused with Vicki Gabereau, who ran for Toronto mayor in 1974 under the clown name “Rosie Sunrise.”

Another independent, a candidate named Walker, received 100 votes (0.18%) and finished eighth against Milliken.

Slota, born September 28, 1947 in Belgium to Polish parents, ran as the leader of the Global Party of Canada. He died on March 14, 2005, after a dinner related to his 2006 campaign. Slota won 85 votes (0.2%). The Global Party was not registered with Elections Canada. It promoted wealth redistribution through monetary reform, proposing to create new money via the Bank of Canada to fund universal monthly payments and reduce taxes, with the aim of dramatically changing the economy. The party appeared to cease functioning after Slota’s death.