CANADA HISTORY - Elections

1887 ELECTION


The 1887 federal election in Canada was a significant moment in Canadian political history, taking place during a period of transition and challenges for the nation. This election was the fifth general election since Confederation in 1867, and it came at a time when Canada was facing important issues such as economic policy, the role of the provinces versus the federal government, and burgeoning political identities in both Quebec and Ontario. The political environment leading up to the election was shaped by these complex issues, and the campaign would see the two dominant political parties — the Conservative Party led by Sir John A. Macdonald and the Liberal Party led by Edward Blake — battle over the direction of the country.

Political Situation Before the Election
By the time the 1887 election was called, Sir John A. Macdonald, the first and longstanding Prime Minister of Canada, had already served for a considerable period and had firmly established himself as a central figure in Canadian politics. His Conservative Party had dominated Canadian politics since Confederation, though they had faced a brief setback in the 1874 election when Alexander Mackenzie's Liberal Party won in the aftermath of the Pacific Scandal. Macdonald had bounced back in the 1878 election, winning on a platform centered around his National Policy, which promised economic protectionism and tariff-based policies designed to foster Canadian industries.

Heading into the 1887 election, the Conservatives remained the dominant political force, but there was growing discontent over several issues, particularly in relation to provincial autonomy, economic management, and the government’s response to political unrest in the West, including concerns over Louis Riel’s rebellion and execution in 1885. While the Conservatives could rely on support from industrial and business interests in Ontario and the protectionist sentiment in Quebec, the Liberal Party, led by Edward Blake, sought to capitalize on economic grievances and regional tensions, presenting a strong opposition to the government’s policies.

The Leaders of the Parties

The 1887 federal election was a contest primarily between two leaders who were well-known political figures in Canada: Sir John A. Macdonald and Edward Blake.

Sir John A. Macdonald: The Conservative leader and incumbent Prime Minister, Macdonald was the dominant force in Canadian politics. He was regarded as a nation-builder, having been one of the key architects of Confederation and having played a crucial role in the expansion of Canada, particularly through the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR). His vision for Canada was rooted in maintaining a strong central government, promoting economic growth through protectionist policies, and fostering national unity across the country's diverse regions.

Edward Blake: Blake, the leader of the Liberal Party, was an able politician and a strong legal mind who had previously served as Premier of Ontario. Although he was not as charismatic or experienced as Macdonald, Blake represented the liberal wing of Canadian politics, advocating for freer trade, greater provincial autonomy, and a reduction in the power of central government. His intellectual approach appealed to many reformers, but he struggled to match Macdonald’s personal popularity and ability to unite various factions within the Conservative Party.

Key Issues of the Election
The election of 1887 revolved around several key issues that reflected the growing complexities of governing a diverse and expanding country:

Economic Policy and the National Policy: Macdonald's National Policy, which had been a central platform in previous elections, continued to dominate the political discourse. The policy involved high tariffs on imported goods to protect Canadian manufacturers, promote domestic industry, and foster economic growth. The Liberals, under Blake, opposed the policy, advocating for freer trade and reduced tariffs to benefit farmers and consumers who were paying higher prices for goods.

Provincial Rights and Autonomy: Another major issue was the balance of power between the federal government and the provinces. This issue had simmered since Confederation and continued to be a source of tension. The Liberals supported stronger provincial rights, appealing to many voters in Quebec and Ontario who were concerned about centralization under Macdonald's government. Macdonald, in contrast, emphasized the need for a strong federal government to manage national issues such as the economy and infrastructure development.

Western Discontent and the Aftermath of the Riel Rebellion: The 1885 execution of Métis leader Louis Riel for his role in leading the North-West Rebellion had caused political upheaval, especially in Quebec. Riel's execution was seen as a betrayal by many French Canadians, and Macdonald’s handling of the issue was criticized by the Quebec nationalist movement, leading to concerns about alienation from the federal government. The Liberals attempted to exploit this discontent by positioning themselves as defenders of minority rights and provincial interests.

Railway Expansion and National Unity: The completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway was a major achievement of Macdonald’s government, symbolizing the integration of Canada's western territories with the rest of the country. While the railway was a source of pride for many, it had also been a source of economic strain due to the high costs associated with its construction. The Conservatives touted the railway as evidence of their success in uniting the country and promoting national prosperity, while the Liberals criticized the financial mismanagement and cronyism that had plagued its development.

The Campaign
The election campaign of 1887 was intense, with both parties focusing on their strengths and vulnerabilities. Macdonald emphasized his record as a strong and stable leader, pointing to the economic growth and industrial development fostered by his National Policy. He presented himself as the champion of a united and growing Canada, with the Canadian Pacific Railway serving as a symbol of his nation-building efforts. Macdonald also appealed to the business and industrial sectors, which had benefitted from his protectionist policies.

Blake, meanwhile, ran a vigorous campaign, focusing on the weaknesses in Macdonald’s government, particularly the centralization of power, the need for economic reform, and the Riel affair’s fallout. The Liberals sought to build a coalition of farmers, free traders, and those who supported provincial autonomy, attempting to capitalize on discontent in Quebec and parts of Ontario. However, Blake faced significant challenges, including the difficulty of overcoming Macdonald’s popularity and the entrenched support for the Conservatives in key regions.

The Results
The election was held on February 22, 1887. The Conservatives, led by Sir John A. Macdonald, were re-elected, winning 122 seats in the 215-seat House of Commons. Although the party lost some ground, particularly in Quebec where discontent over the Riel execution was strongest, Macdonald was able to secure enough seats in Ontario and the Maritime provinces to maintain a comfortable majority.

The Liberals, under Edward Blake, improved their standing slightly but were unable to overcome the Conservatives’ dominance. The Liberals won 80 seats, up from 73 in the previous election, but the party failed to make significant inroads into Conservative strongholds.

Aftermath and Significance
The 1887 federal election reaffirmed Macdonald's grip on power and underscored the resilience of the Conservative Party. Although the Liberals had hoped to capitalize on regional grievances and economic discontent, Macdonald’s leadership and his National Policy continued to resonate with a broad coalition of voters, particularly in Ontario and the industrial sectors.

The election also highlighted the growing divisions within Canada. The execution of Louis Riel and the dissatisfaction in Quebec with Macdonald's policies hinted at the challenges the country would face in balancing regional interests, national unity, and minority rights. The election marked the beginning of a long period of Conservative dominance, with Macdonald continuing to serve as Prime Minister until his death in 1891.

In summary, the 1887 election was a pivotal moment in Canadian political history, showcasing the political and regional complexities of governing a diverse and expanding country. It reaffirmed Sir John A. Macdonald's leadership and the importance of his National Policy in shaping Canada's economic future while also laying the groundwork for future political battles over provincial rights, national unity, and the balance of power in Canadian federalism.

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John A Macdonald - Conservative

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Edward Blake - Liberal

Election
Party
Elected Members # of Candidates % of Popular Vote % of Seats
1887 (February 22) - Turnout: 70.1 %
Conservative  123 209 50.7 % 57.2 %
Liberal  92 193 48.9 % 42.8 %
Other    37 0.4 % 0.0 %
Total 215 439    
Government--123, Opposition--92, Majority--31
Total - 215 Conservative Liberal Other
Canada 123 92  
PEI - 6
Nova Scotia 14 7
New Brunswick 10 6
Quebec 33 32
Ontario 52 40
Manitoba 4 1
BC 6 -
NWT 4 -

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Source: NA



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