The 1957 federal election in Canada was a pivotal moment in the country’s political history, marking the end of 22 years of Liberal dominance and the beginning of a new Conservative era. This election was shaped by changing political dynamics, a shift in public sentiment, and strategic campaign decisions by the parties involved. It resulted in a significant upset, with John Diefenbaker’s Progressive Conservatives defeating Louis St. Laurent’s Liberals, bringing about the first Conservative government since 1935.
Political Situation Before the Election
Before the 1957 election, Canada had been governed by the Liberal Party for over two decades. The Liberal Party, under leaders like William Lyon Mackenzie King and his successor Louis St. Laurent, had overseen significant national transformations, including guiding Canada through World War II, managing the post-war economy, and expanding social welfare programs. Louis St. Laurent, who became prime minister in 1948, was popular and widely respected, earning the affectionate nickname "Uncle Louis." He won a massive majority in the 1949 and 1953 federal elections, cementing Liberal dominance.
However, by 1957, there were signs that the Liberals were losing touch with the electorate. St. Laurent, now 75 years old, appeared increasingly out of step with the demands of a modern Canada. His government had been involved in several controversies, including the costly construction of the Trans-Canada Pipeline, which became a major political issue. The Liberal administration also faced criticism for what was seen as bureaucratic stagnation and arrogance, failing to address the needs of a growing and diversifying population. As the 1957 election approached, many Canadians felt it was time for a change.
The Progressive Conservative Party, led by John Diefenbaker, was poised to capitalize on the growing dissatisfaction with the Liberals. Diefenbaker, a charismatic lawyer from Saskatchewan, had a populist touch and was known for his powerful oratory. He took over the leadership of the Progressive Conservatives in 1956, following the retirement of George Drew. Diefenbaker represented a new and vigorous approach to politics, and he was determined to challenge the Liberal Party's stranglehold on power.
The Leaders and Contending Parties
Louis St. Laurent (Liberal Party): St. Laurent had led the Liberals since 1948 and was a popular and reassuring figure in Canadian politics. His government had presided over a period of significant economic growth and development, and St. Laurent himself was regarded as a dignified and competent leader. However, by 1957, his age and the perception that his government was becoming complacent and bureaucratic played against him.
John Diefenbaker (Progressive Conservative Party): Diefenbaker, a Western Canadian populist, was a stark contrast to the urbane and patrician St. Laurent. He was known for his fiery speeches and his appeal to the ordinary Canadian. Diefenbaker promised a government that would be more responsive to the needs of Canadians, offering a vision of a "New Canada" that emphasized national unity and development.
M.J. Coldwell (Co-operative Commonwealth Federation - CCF): Coldwell led the CCF, a socialist party that had been influential in the development of social welfare policies in Canada. However, by 1957, the CCF struggled to expand its base beyond its core support in Western Canada and was largely seen as a minor player in the election.
Solon Low (Social Credit Party): The Social Credit Party, with its roots in Alberta, focused on monetary reform and appealed primarily to rural voters in the West. Low’s party, while significant regionally, had limited national appeal and was not expected to make a major impact.
Key Issues in the Election
Several key issues dominated the 1957 federal election, reflecting broader concerns about governance, the economy, and Canadian identity.
Trans-Canada Pipeline Controversy: One of the major issues was the Liberals' handling of the Trans-Canada Pipeline project, which had been approved by Parliament in 1956. The government's decision to rush the bill through Parliament without adequate debate led to accusations of authoritarianism and arrogance. This created a sense of Liberal overreach and was exploited by Diefenbaker and the Conservatives, who framed the issue as a symbol of the Liberals' disconnect from ordinary Canadians.
Economic Concerns: While Canada had enjoyed post-war prosperity, by 1957, there were concerns about inflation, unemployment, and the cost of living. The Liberals were criticized for not doing enough to address these issues, and Diefenbaker's Conservatives campaigned on promises to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and ensure greater economic equity across the regions.
National Unity and Regional Discontent: Diefenbaker's campaign resonated with Western Canada, where there was a growing sense of alienation from the central government in Ottawa. He promised to give a stronger voice to regions outside Ontario and Quebec, which helped him secure significant support in the West. His vision of a "One Canada" was contrasted with the Liberals' perceived focus on central Canada.
Foreign Policy and Defence: Canada's role in NATO and the Cold War was also an issue, with Diefenbaker questioning aspects of St. Laurent’s foreign policy, particularly around the modernization of Canada's military and its relationship with the United States.
Campaign Strategies and Effectiveness
The Liberal Party, confident after decades in power, ran a relatively subdued campaign, focusing on their record of stability and growth. St. Laurent, however, appeared fatigued, and his campaign lacked the energy of previous years. The Liberals did not effectively counter Diefenbaker’s populist messaging, and their reliance on their record of governance did not inspire voters looking for fresh ideas.
The Progressive Conservatives, under Diefenbaker, ran a dynamic and aggressive campaign. Diefenbaker’s speeches were passionate and emotional, and he travelled extensively across the country, engaging with voters in smaller towns and rural areas that felt neglected by the Liberals. His promise to end Liberal arrogance and bring a new era of responsiveness resonated with many Canadians, especially in the West. The Conservatives' campaign effectively tapped into growing discontent with the status quo.
The CCF, under Coldwell, focused on issues of social justice and economic reform, but they struggled to gain traction outside their traditional base in Saskatchewan. Similarly, the Social Credit Party maintained its support in Alberta and parts of British Columbia but did not emerge as a significant national player.
Election Day and Results
The election was held on June 10, 1957, and it resulted in a stunning upset. The Progressive Conservatives won 112 seats, up from just 53 in the 1953 election. The Liberals, who had won 169 seats in the previous election, were reduced to just 105 seats. The CCF won 25 seats, while the Social Credit Party captured 19.
The results marked the end of the Liberals' long dominance and the beginning of a new Conservative era under Diefenbaker. The Progressive Conservatives’ victory was historic because it represented the first time since 1935 that the party had won a federal election. Diefenbaker became Canada’s 13th Prime Minister, and his win was seen as a rejection of the Liberal establishment and a desire for new leadership.
Aftermath of the Election
The 1957 election ushered in a period of significant change in Canadian politics. Diefenbaker’s government, although a minority, marked the beginning of a shift in Canadian political culture. His populist style and focus on national unity appealed to a broad spectrum of voters, and his government immediately set about implementing key aspects of his platform.
One of Diefenbaker's early actions as prime minister was to call a new election in 1958 to strengthen his mandate. The result was an even more overwhelming victory for the Progressive Conservatives, who won the largest majority in Canadian history at that time. This confirmed that the 1957 election was not a fluke but a reflection of a deeper desire for change in the country.
The Liberal Party, meanwhile, went into a period of reflection and internal division after their 1957 defeat. Louis St. Laurent retired from politics shortly after the election, and the party began the process of rebuilding under new leadership. Eventually, Lester B. Pearson would rise to prominence, leading the party into a new era.
The 1957 election was a turning point in Canadian political history. It ended over two decades of Liberal dominance and brought John Diefenbaker and the Progressive Conservatives to power, reflecting a growing sense of regional discontent and a desire for new leadership. Diefenbaker’s victory was the start of a period of significant political and social change in Canada, and it reshaped the country's political landscape for years to come.
Election Party |
Elected Members | # of Candidates | % of Popular Vote | % of Seats |
---|---|---|---|---|
1957 (June 10) - Turnout: 74.1 % | ||||
Progressive Conservative | 112 | 256 | 39.0 % | 42.3 % |
Liberal | 105 | 264 | 42.3 % | 39.6 % |
C.C.F. | 25 | 162 | 10.8 % | 9.4 % |
Social Credit | 19 | 114 | 6.6 % | 7.2 % |
Other | 4 | 66 | 1.3 % | 1.5 % |
Total | 265 | 862 | ||
Government--112, Opposition--153, Minority--41 |
Total - 265 | Conser | Liberal | NDP/ CCF | Social Credit | Other |
Canada | 112 | 105 | 25 | 19 | 4 |
Newfoundland | 2 | 5 | - | - | - |
PEI | 4 | - | - | - | - |
Nova Scotia | 10 | 2 | - | - | - |
New Brunswick | 5 | 5 | - | - | - |
Quebec | 9 | 63 | - | - | 3 |
Ontario | 61 | 20 | 3 | - | 1 |
Manitoba | 8 | 1 | 5 | - | - |
Saskatchewan | 3 | 4 | 10 | - | - |
Alberta | 3 | 1 | - | 13 | - |
BC | 7 | 2 | 7 | 6 | - |
Yukon | - | 1 | - | - | - |
NWT | - | 1 | - | - | - |
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