The 1945 federal election in Canada, held on June 11, marked a significant moment in the country's political history. Coming at the tail end of the Second World War, the election was a pivotal moment for Canadians who were contemplating the direction of the post-war nation. The election was also the first since 1935 and the first held after World War II. It was characterized by several notable factors, including shifting political dynamics, the rise of new political movements, and the dominance of issues related to post-war reconstruction. The contest featured incumbent Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King's Liberal Party, John Bracken's Progressive Conservative Party, and two prominent new political forces: the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) led by M.J. Coldwell and the Social Credit Party under Solon Low.
Political Situation Before the Election
The political landscape prior to the 1945 election was shaped by Canada’s involvement in World War II and the challenges posed by the imminent transition from a wartime to a peacetime economy. The Liberal Party, led by William Lyon Mackenzie King, had been in power for most of the previous two decades. King’s government had steered the nation through the Great Depression and the war, securing strong public approval for its handling of the war effort, economic mobilization, and conscription crisis of 1944. Mackenzie King himself, a masterful political tactician, had managed to preserve national unity in a time of crisis, most notably navigating the divisive issue of conscription while keeping most of Quebec’s support.
However, by 1945, many Canadians were seeking to move beyond wartime governance and look towards rebuilding the country. Issues of social welfare, housing, employment, and veterans' reintegration dominated political discourse. While King’s Liberals had done well during the war, there was growing pressure for a new vision for Canada in the post-war world. The emergence of new political forces, such as the CCF (Co-operative Commonwealth Federation), a democratic socialist party, and the reinvigorated Social Credit Party, challenged the Liberal Party’s dominance. Additionally, the Progressive Conservative Party, under new leadership, sought to unseat the Liberals with a conservative alternative for post-war Canada.
Party Leaders and Political Landscape
William Lyon Mackenzie King (Liberal Party): As the sitting Prime Minister, King had been a dominant figure in Canadian politics for decades. His leadership during the war earned him considerable respect, but there was a sense that his vision for post-war Canada was limited, as he remained cautious and incremental in policy changes. King, though, had a deep understanding of Canadian political dynamics and knew how to maintain a coalition that included both Quebec and English Canada.
John Bracken (Progressive Conservative Party): Bracken had only recently become the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party (formerly the Conservative Party). He was originally the Premier of Manitoba and was a political moderate who had led Manitoba through the Depression. Bracken was recruited to lead the Progressive Conservatives in an effort to broaden their appeal and distance the party from its earlier, more right-wing associations. His leadership brought a focus on economic reconstruction, but he struggled to generate the same personal charisma or national following as King.
M.J. Coldwell (Co-operative Commonwealth Federation - CCF): Coldwell led the CCF, a socialist party that had gained significant traction during the war, particularly among workers and intellectuals who saw the need for more substantial economic reform in the post-war period. Coldwell pushed for social welfare reforms, full employment, nationalization of key industries, and healthcare improvements. The CCF's popularity was growing, particularly in western Canada, but they faced significant resistance from more conservative elements of Canadian society and the business community.
Solon Low (Social Credit Party): The Social Credit Party, which had its origins in Alberta under the leadership of William Aberhart and later Ernest Manning, was focused on monetary reform and held a strong populist message. Low emphasized the need for financial reforms, particularly in relation to credit and debt. The party remained a regional force, largely based in Alberta and parts of British Columbia.
Key Issues of the Election
The 1945 election centered around several key issues, most of which reflected the challenges of transitioning from a wartime economy to a peacetime society. The primary issues included:
Post-War Reconstruction: Canadians were deeply concerned about how the country would manage the transition from war to peace. Issues like employment, economic stability, housing, and social security dominated the discussion. The public wanted assurances that returning soldiers would find jobs, homes, and support in their reintegration into civilian life.
Social Welfare Programs: The war had brought about significant government intervention in the economy, and many Canadians wanted to see social welfare programs expanded. The CCF, in particular, pushed for reforms such as nationalized healthcare, pensions, and unemployment insurance.
Veteran Reintegration: With tens of thousands of soldiers returning home, the government was expected to deliver on promises for veterans' benefits, including education and job training programs.
Economic Management: Economic stability was a significant concern. Inflation, price controls, and wage policies were contentious issues. The Liberals favored cautious management and gradual reform, while the Progressive Conservatives called for more liberalized economic policies.
Housing Crisis: The housing shortage for returning veterans and growing urban populations was another pressing concern. There was a demand for rapid construction and government intervention in the housing market.
Communism and Labor Strikes: With the rise of labor strikes and the CCF’s socialist platform, there was fear in some quarters that Canada might face a surge in communist influence. The business community and more conservative voters were concerned about the potential for labor unrest and radical economic changes.
Campaign Strategies
The Liberal Party under Mackenzie King ran a cautious campaign, emphasizing their wartime leadership and stability. King’s message was one of continuity and moderate reform, positioning the Liberals as the safest hands to guide Canada through the uncertain post-war years. He highlighted the government's role in economic planning, post-war reconstruction, and veterans' reintegration. However, King did not offer a sweeping vision of the future, which allowed his opponents to argue that he was out of touch with the public’s growing desire for change.
The Progressive Conservative Party, led by Bracken, sought to capitalize on the weariness with the long Liberal rule. Bracken promised a more dynamic approach to rebuilding the economy and offered policies focused on reducing government intervention, fostering private enterprise, and lowering taxes. However, Bracken struggled to present himself as a national figure, and the party remained fragmented in its appeal, particularly in Quebec where it had limited support.
The CCF, led by Coldwell, ran an ambitious campaign that emphasized social welfare programs, full employment, nationalized industries, and economic security. Coldwell's message resonated with many working-class Canadians and those disillusioned with traditional politics, especially in the western provinces. However, Coldwell faced intense opposition from business leaders and was often branded as a socialist threat by his political opponents.
The Social Credit Party, under Solon Low, focused on financial reform and monetary issues, particularly addressing the concerns of farmers and rural communities. Their campaign was regional, and while they remained strong in Alberta and parts of British Columbia, they lacked a national presence.
Results and Election Day
The 1945 election saw the Liberals win their fifth consecutive mandate, though with a reduced majority. The Liberals secured 118 seats out of 245 in the House of Commons, a significant drop from their pre-election strength. The Progressive Conservatives made modest gains, winning 67 seats, but were still far from challenging the Liberals for government. The CCF secured 28 seats, their best result to date, making significant inroads in western Canada and among urban working-class voters. Social Credit won 13 seats, maintaining its stronghold in Alberta and parts of British Columbia.
Voter turnout in the election was around 75%, reflecting the high level of engagement and interest in the post-war future.
Aftermath
The 1945 election confirmed Mackenzie King's dominance in Canadian politics, although his reduced majority indicated that change was on the horizon. King continued as Prime Minister, overseeing Canada’s transition to peacetime, but the rising influence of the CCF signaled a growing appetite for more progressive reforms in Canadian society. The Progressive Conservatives, despite Bracken’s leadership, remained unable to fully break the Liberal grip on power.
The election laid the groundwork for post-war Canada, establishing the key political dynamics that would define the next decade. With the rise of the welfare state, the continued development of Canada’s economic and industrial base, and the emergence of new political forces, the 1945 election was a critical turning point in shaping modern Canada.
Election Party |
Elected Members | # of Candidates | % of Popular Vote | % of Seats |
---|---|---|---|---|
1945 (June 11) - Turnout: 75.3 % | ||||
Liberal | 125 | 233 | 41.4 % | 51.0 % |
Progressive Conservative | 67 | 203 | 27.7 % | 27.3 % |
C.C.F. | 28 | 205 | 15.7 % | 11.4 % |
Social Credit | 13 | 95 | 4.1 % | 5.3 % |
Other | 12 | 216 | 11.1 % | 4.9 % |
Total | 245 | 952 | ||
Government--125, Opposition--120, Majority--5 |
Total - 245 | Conservatives | Liberal | NDP/ CCF | Social Credit | Other |
Canada | 67 | 125 | 28 | 13 | 12 |
PEI | 1 | 3 | - | - | - |
Nova Scotia | 3 | 8 | 1 | - | - |
New Brunswick | 3 | 7 | - | - | - |
Quebec | 1 | 54 | - | - | 10 |
Ontario | 48 | 34 | - | - | - |
Manitoba | 2 | 10 | 5 | - | - |
Saskatchewan | 1 | 2 | 18 | - | - |
Alberta | 2 | 2 | - | 13 | - |
BC | 5 | 5 | 4 | - | 2 |
Yukon | 1 | - | - | - | - |
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