The Liberal Party of Canada is one of the two major political parties in Canada (the other being the Conservative Party of Canada), founded in 1873 with a left-of-centre political position - more left than the Conservative Party of Canada, but more left than the New Canadian Party. left of the Conservative Party of Canada, but to the right of the New Democratic Party of Canada. Because it was in power for nearly 69 years during the 20th century, it is often referred to as "Canada's ex-officio ruling party".