CANADA HISTORY - Elections

1958 ELECTION


The 1958 Canadian federal election was a significant moment in the nation’s political history, marking one of the most decisive electoral victories ever recorded. This election represented the solidification of John Diefenbaker’s Progressive Conservative Party as the dominant political force in Canada, while delivering a crushing defeat to the Liberal Party, which had governed Canada for much of the previous two decades. This essay provides a comprehensive look at the political situation leading up to the election, the party leaders, the issues, campaign strategies, events during the campaign, election results, and the aftermath.

Political Situation Before the 1958 Election

The federal election of 1958 occurred at a time of great political transition in Canada. The Liberals had dominated Canadian politics for much of the 20th century, having been in power for 22 consecutive years from 1935 to 1957, under the leadership of William Lyon Mackenzie King and later Louis St. Laurent. However, the political landscape had shifted significantly by the mid-1950s.

In the 1957 election, John Diefenbaker's Progressive Conservatives had unexpectedly won a minority government, ending the long Liberal rule. Although the Progressive Conservatives had only secured a minority, this victory was significant as it signaled a broader desire for change among the Canadian electorate. Louis St. Laurent, the outgoing Liberal Prime Minister, had appeared increasingly out of touch with the electorate. By contrast, Diefenbaker, a fiery and charismatic orator from Saskatchewan, represented a break from the more staid and centralized Liberal governance.

Diefenbaker’s minority government had been largely successful, and he was able to convey a sense of dynamism and vision for the country, including his now-famous speech about creating a “new vision” for Canada. He dissolved parliament early, just nine months after the 1957 election, and called for a new election in 1958, seeking a clear mandate to govern.

The Leaders of the Contesting Parties

John Diefenbaker (Progressive Conservatives): John Diefenbaker was the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party and Prime Minister at the time of the election. He had an engaging populist style and was a strong speaker who appealed to the aspirations of average Canadians. He was seen as a champion of western Canada and the common people, which contrasted with the more traditional, establishment image of the Liberal Party. Diefenbaker’s passionate vision for a united Canada, his openness to new ideas, and his commitment to Cold War alliances made him an appealing figure to many voters.

Lester B. Pearson (Liberals): The Liberal Party was now under the leadership of Lester B. Pearson, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former diplomat who had been instrumental in developing peacekeeping efforts during the Suez Crisis. Pearson had taken over from Louis St. Laurent after the Liberals’ defeat in 1957. However, while Pearson was highly respected internationally and within political circles, he struggled to translate that appeal into votes. Pearson was often criticized for being too cerebral and lacking the populist connection that Diefenbaker had with voters.

M.J. Coldwell (Co-operative Commonwealth Federation - CCF): The CCF, the precursor to today’s New Democratic Party (NDP), was led by M.J. Coldwell. The party was rooted in social democracy and appealed to labor groups, farmers, and progressive voters. However, Coldwell faced the challenge of competing with Diefenbaker’s growing appeal to similar demographics in western Canada.

Solon Low (Social Credit): The Social Credit Party, which had its base in Alberta, was led by Solon Low. The party’s platform centered on monetary reform and rural concerns but remained largely a regional player in Canadian politics.

The Issues of the Election

Several key issues dominated the 1958 election campaign:

Economic Policy: Economic management was a crucial issue, particularly the question of how to handle Canada’s economy in the wake of post-war expansion. Diefenbaker had proposed an ambitious national development program, including infrastructure improvements and northern development, which resonated with Canadians concerned about regional disparities and unemployment.

Cold War and Defense Policy: Canada’s role in the Cold War and its relationship with the United States was another significant issue. The Diefenbaker government had overseen the acquisition of the Avro Arrow jet fighter, but its high costs were controversial. The Cold War’s influence on Canadian foreign policy, particularly in terms of defense spending and Canada’s participation in NATO, was a contentious topic, especially as the United States pressed for a stronger Canadian military commitment.

National Unity and Regional Development: Diefenbaker emphasized the importance of national unity, with special attention to the western provinces, which had long felt alienated by the central government. His vision for northern development and the creation of infrastructure projects were geared toward making Canada more self-reliant and economically balanced across regions.

The Role of the Federal Government: Diefenbaker’s Progressive Conservatives and Pearson’s Liberals clashed over the role of government in shaping Canada’s future. Diefenbaker advocated for bold, visionary national projects, while Pearson’s Liberals focused more on sustaining the existing governance structures and were seen as more cautious about large-scale projects.

Campaign Strategy and Effectiveness

John Diefenbaker’s Progressive Conservatives ran a highly effective and energetic campaign that emphasized national unity, economic development, and the importance of strong leadership in navigating the country’s challenges. His slogan, “Follow John,” reflected his personal appeal and the trust many Canadians had in his leadership. Diefenbaker was able to connect with voters on a visceral level, particularly in the west and among those who felt alienated by the previous Liberal governments.

Lester Pearson and the Liberals, in contrast, struggled to find a compelling message. Pearson was an excellent diplomat and statesman, but his reserved demeanor and lack of populist appeal put him at a disadvantage against Diefenbaker’s bombastic style. The Liberal campaign focused on criticizing Diefenbaker’s economic policies and questioned his ability to deliver on his promises, but this approach failed to resonate with a population that was increasingly enthralled by Diefenbaker’s grand visions.

The CCF under M.J. Coldwell and the Social Credit Party under Solon Low also failed to mount significant challenges. The Progressive Conservatives’ national message dominated the airwaves, leaving little room for the smaller parties to break through.

The Events of the Campaign

Throughout the campaign, Diefenbaker traveled extensively across Canada, delivering impassioned speeches that rallied large crowds. His rhetoric was powerful, evoking a sense of patriotism and hope for a stronger, more unified Canada. Diefenbaker’s speeches highlighted his vision for the nation’s future, promising to bring northern Canada into the economic fold and to fight for Canadian sovereignty in a Cold War world dominated by superpowers.

Lester Pearson’s campaign, meanwhile, was less dynamic. The Liberals sought to highlight their experience in government and attacked Diefenbaker’s plans as unrealistic and overly ambitious. However, this cautious approach did not inspire enthusiasm. Pearson was frequently portrayed as too academic and disconnected from the everyday concerns of Canadians.

The campaign was marked by Diefenbaker’s dominance of the media, particularly through radio and television, which amplified his populist message to voters across the country. His passionate oratory skills won over undecided voters and demoralized his opponents.

Election Day and Results

On March 31, 1958, Canadians went to the polls. The results were a landslide victory for John Diefenbaker and the Progressive Conservative Party. The Tories won an unprecedented 208 seats in the 265-seat House of Commons, securing 53.7% of the popular vote. This was the largest majority government in Canadian history at the time.

The Liberal Party under Lester Pearson suffered a devastating defeat, winning only 48 seats, a significant drop from the 105 seats they had held before. Their share of the popular vote fell to 33.8%.

The CCF and Social Credit fared poorly as well. The CCF managed to win only eight seats, and Social Credit was reduced to just one seat.

Aftermath of the Election

The 1958 election solidified John Diefenbaker’s position as a dominant political figure in Canada. His massive parliamentary majority gave him the power to implement many of his proposed reforms. However, the weight of such a massive victory also raised expectations, and as his term progressed, Diefenbaker faced increasing challenges, particularly with the economy and defense policy.

Lester Pearson’s defeat did not mark the end of his political career, though. After the 1958 election, Pearson rebuilt the Liberal Party and eventually led them to victory in 1963. The election also marked the beginning of the decline of the CCF, which would later reconstitute itself as the New Democratic Party (NDP) in 1961.

For Diefenbaker, the 1958 election was the pinnacle of his political success. While his subsequent years in office would be marked by significant challenges, including economic difficulties and tensions within his party, his 1958 victory remains a landmark moment in Canadian electoral history, demonstrating the power of populist leadership and grand national visions in shaping the course of the country’s politics.

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John Diefenbaker - Conservative

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Lester Pearson - Liberal

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M.J. Coldwell-CCF

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Solon Warl Low - Social Credit

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Real Caouette - CDE

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Tim Buck - Communists

Election
Party
Elected Members # of Candidates % of Popular Vote % of Seats
1958 (March 31) - Turnout: 79.4 %
Progressive Conservative  208 265 53.7 % 78.5 %
Liberal  49 264 33.8 % 18.5 %
C.C.F.  8 169 9.5 % 3.0 %
Social Credit    82 2.6 % 0.0 %
Other    51 0.4 % 0.0 % %
Total 265 831    
Government--208, Opposition--57, Majority--151
Total - 265 Conser Liberal NDP/ CCF Social Credit Other
Canada 208 48 8 - 1
Newfoundland 2 5 - - -
PEI 4 - - - -
Nova Scotia 12 - - - -
New Brunswick 7 3 - - -
Quebec 50 25 - - -
Ontario 67 14 3 - 1
Manitoba 14 - - - -
Saskatchewan 16 - 1 - -
Alberta 17 - - - -
BC 18 - 4 - -
Yukon 1 - - - -
NWT - 1 - - -

Cite Article : Reference: www.canadahistory.com/sections/documents/documents.html

Source: NA



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