The Rhinoceros Party of Canada was one of the most unusual and satirical political movements in Canadian history. It was founded in 1963 by Canadian physician, writer, and political satirist Jacques Ferron, although the modern incarnation that most Canadians remember emerged in the 1970s under the leadership of Jacques (better known by the party name Cacareco in some contexts) and other political pranksters.
The party’s name came from a simple idea: if politicians made ridiculous promises and voters accepted them, why not create a party that openly admitted it was ridiculous? The rhinoceros was chosen as its symbol because the animal is large, thick-skinned, and seemingly unbothered by criticism — traits the party jokingly associated with politicians.
The party officially registered as a federal political party in 1963, but it became famous during the 1970s and 1980s. Its candidates ran in federal elections with intentionally absurd platforms, including promises such as:
- Making English and French the official languages of Quebec (and sometimes jokingly proposing other impossible language reforms).
- Moving Canada’s capital to a more convenient location, such as the middle of the country.
- Replacing the national anthem with a song that would be easier to remember.
- Declaring war on Belgium because "the Belgians had already declared war on themselves" (a parody of silly foreign policy).
- Making the country’s prisons into luxury resorts.
- Promising to keep all campaign promises, including impossible ones.
- Eliminating gravity so Canadians could save money on shoe repairs.
Their campaigns were a form of political satire, similar to the traditions of parody newspapers, comedy shows, and fictional candidates. The goal was not usually to win power but to highlight what members saw as the absurdity and dishonesty of mainstream politics.
The Rhinoceros Party gained surprising popularity. In the 1980 federal election, it fielded dozens of candidates and received tens of thousands of votes, becoming one of Canada’s better-known protest parties. It attracted writers, comedians, artists, and people who wanted to make a statement about political dissatisfaction.
The original party declined after changes to Canadian election laws in the 1990s, particularly requirements that parties demonstrate a serious electoral purpose. The party was deregistered in 1993.
A revived version, the Rhinoceros Party of Canada, later returned and continues the tradition of humorous political commentary, though it has never been a serious contender for government.
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