The 1962 federal election in Canada was a significant turning point in the country’s political landscape, marking the end of a majority government for the Progressive Conservatives under John Diefenbaker and the emergence of new political forces. The election was characterized by dramatic shifts in voter support, economic uncertainty, regional tensions, and a host of issues that influenced the fate of the major political parties. This election set the stage for political realignment and foreshadowed the end of the "Diefenbaker era," which had begun with a landslide victory in 1958.
The Political Situation Before the Election
In the years leading up to the 1962 election, Canada experienced a period of political turbulence under Prime Minister John Diefenbaker’s Progressive Conservative government. Diefenbaker had swept to power in the 1958 election with a massive majority, securing 208 out of 265 seats in the House of Commons. His victory had been seen as a national mandate for change after more than two decades of Liberal rule, primarily under William Lyon Mackenzie King and Louis St. Laurent.
However, by the early 1960s, Diefenbaker's government was struggling with internal divisions and external criticism. The economic situation in Canada had worsened, with rising unemployment and concerns about inflation. The Canadian dollar had been devalued in 1961, an unpopular move that rattled business confidence and eroded public trust in the government’s ability to manage the economy. Additionally, Diefenbaker’s handling of defense issues, particularly his controversial decision to cancel the Avro Arrow fighter jet project in 1959, alienated many voters and weakened his government’s standing in the industrial and technological sectors.
Diefenbaker's relations with the United States were also strained, particularly after his refusal to accept U.S. nuclear weapons on Canadian soil, which created tensions with President John F. Kennedy’s administration. Diefenbaker’s government faced growing dissent from within, with key ministers resigning over policy differences, signaling that his once-solid majority was eroding.
Party Leaders
John Diefenbaker (Progressive Conservative Party): Diefenbaker, known for his fiery oratory and populist appeal, had come to power on promises of economic nationalism and a "New Frontier" for Canada. However, by 1962, his leadership was being questioned within his party, and his government was under intense scrutiny for its handling of the economy and foreign policy. Diefenbaker’s campaign centered on defending his record and promising continued prosperity, but he faced an uphill battle to maintain his majority.
Lester B. Pearson (Liberal Party): Pearson, a former diplomat and Nobel Peace Prize winner, was the leader of the Liberal Party. He had taken over the leadership after the defeat in 1958 and worked to rebuild the party's fortunes. Pearson was a moderate figure who focused on rebuilding relations with the United States, improving Canada's defense posture, and stabilizing the economy. His campaign emphasized "steady government" and positioned the Liberals as a competent alternative to Diefenbaker's government.
Tommy Douglas (Co-operative Commonwealth Federation, CCF): Douglas was a former Premier of Saskatchewan and a key figure in the creation of Canada’s social welfare policies, particularly the introduction of universal healthcare in Saskatchewan. The CCF, the precursor to today’s New Democratic Party (NDP), was committed to socialist policies such as public ownership of key industries and expanded social services. Douglas sought to position the CCF as the champion of working-class Canadians and a progressive alternative to both the Conservatives and Liberals.
Robert Thompson (Social Credit Party): The Social Credit Party, under Thompson’s leadership, was a right-leaning populist party that had traditionally found support in Western Canada, particularly in Alberta. The party advocated for monetary reform and greater provincial autonomy. Thompson’s campaign sought to capitalize on growing discontent with the federal government in the West, where voters felt neglected by the central government.
Issues of the Election
Several major issues dominated the 1962 federal election:
Economic Policy and Unemployment: High unemployment rates and inflation were critical issues. The Canadian economy was struggling, and Diefenbaker's government had not been able to reverse the downturn. The devaluation of the Canadian dollar in 1961 was particularly unpopular and used by opposition parties to argue that the Conservatives had mismanaged the economy.
Defense and Foreign Policy: Diefenbaker’s refusal to accept nuclear weapons on Canadian soil and his strained relations with the United States were significant issues. Pearson and the Liberals accused Diefenbaker of weakening Canada's defense posture and damaging relations with Canada’s closest ally.
National Unity and Regionalism: Regional tensions were on the rise, particularly in Western Canada, where voters felt that their concerns were not being addressed by the federal government. Social Credit played into these concerns by advocating for greater provincial control.
Social Welfare and Medicare: The CCF, under Tommy Douglas, made healthcare a central issue in their campaign. The success of universal healthcare in Saskatchewan was a major selling point, and the CCF pushed for the federal government to adopt similar policies nationwide.
Campaign Strategy and Effectiveness
Progressive Conservatives: Diefenbaker’s campaign relied heavily on his personal appeal and his government's record of nationalistic policies. His populist rhetoric still resonated with many voters, especially in rural areas and Western Canada. However, his refusal to engage with some of the pressing economic issues, combined with his erratic style of leadership, weakened his campaign's effectiveness.
Liberals: Pearson ran a campaign focused on competence, stability, and experience. He highlighted Diefenbaker’s failures on economic and defense issues, portraying the Liberals as a party that could restore Canada’s international standing and fix the economic problems. Pearson’s calm, diplomatic demeanor appealed to centrist voters who had become disillusioned with Diefenbaker’s volatile leadership.
CCF: Tommy Douglas emphasized social welfare, particularly healthcare. His campaign was aimed at working-class Canadians and progressive voters who wanted more government intervention in the economy. While the CCF did not have the financial resources or widespread support of the two major parties, Douglas’s personal popularity helped to galvanize support in key regions, particularly in Saskatchewan.
Social Credit: Robert Thompson’s Social Credit Party focused its campaign on regional issues, particularly in Western Canada. The party’s message of monetary reform and greater provincial autonomy resonated with discontented voters in Alberta and British Columbia, though it struggled to gain traction elsewhere.
The Election Campaign and Significant Events
The 1962 election campaign was intense and marked by a high level of uncertainty. Diefenbaker’s government, once seen as invincible, was now vulnerable due to the economic downturn and internal divisions. The opposition parties hammered away at Diefenbaker’s economic record, focusing on rising unemployment and inflation. Pearson and the Liberals were able to frame the election as a referendum on Diefenbaker’s leadership, portraying him as a leader out of touch with economic realities.
The campaign was also marked by Diefenbaker’s increasingly erratic behavior. He alienated members of his own cabinet, particularly over his handling of defense issues, and his refusal to commit to a clear position on nuclear weapons created confusion among voters.
Meanwhile, Pearson's calm and pragmatic approach won over many centrist voters who had previously supported the Conservatives but were now seeking stability.
Election Day and Results
The federal election was held on June 18, 1962. The results were a major setback for the Progressive Conservatives:
Progressive Conservatives: Diefenbaker’s Conservatives won 116 seats, a far cry from the 208 seats they had held after the 1958 election. They lost their majority in the House of Commons but remained the largest party.
Liberals: Pearson’s Liberals made significant gains, winning 99 seats, up from 48 in the previous election. The Liberals emerged as a credible alternative to the Conservatives and were poised to challenge Diefenbaker’s weakened government.
CCF: The CCF, under Tommy Douglas, won 19 seats, an improvement over their previous showing. The party’s focus on healthcare and social welfare resonated with voters in some areas, particularly Saskatchewan.
Social Credit: Social Credit won 30 seats, mainly in Western Canada, where their message of regionalism and monetary reform struck a chord with voters.
Aftermath of the Election
The 1962 election marked the end of Diefenbaker’s majority government and the beginning of a period of minority government. Diefenbaker struggled to govern with a weakened mandate, and his internal divisions continued to grow. The Progressive Conservative Party would face another election just one year later, in 1963, which would lead to a Liberal victory under Pearson.
The 1962 election was significant because it revealed the growing dissatisfaction with Diefenbaker’s leadership and the shifting dynamics of Canadian politics. It set the stage for future debates on issues such as national defense, economic policy, and social welfare, and highlighted the challenges of governing in a country marked by regional divisions and competing political ideologies.
Election Party |
Elected Members | # of Candidates | % of Popular Vote | % of Seats |
---|---|---|---|---|
1962 (June 18) - Turnout: 79.0 % | ||||
Progressive Conservative | 116 | 265 | 37.3 % | 43.8 % |
Liberal | 99 | 263 | 37.4 % | 37.4 % |
Social Credit | 30 | 230 | 11.7 % | 11.3 % |
New Democratic Party | 19 | 218 | 13.4 % | 7.2 % |
Other | 1 | 40 | 0.2 % | 0.4 % |
Total | 265 | 1,016 | ||
Government--116, Opposition--149, Minority--33 |
Total - 265 | Conser | Liberal | NDP/ CCF | Social Credit | Other |
Canada | 116 | 99 | 19 | 30 | 1 |
Newfoundland | 1 | 6 | - | - | - |
PEI | 4 | - | - | - | - |
Nova Scotia | 9 | 2 | 1 | - | - |
New Brunswick | 4 | 6 | - | - | - |
Quebec | 14 | 35 | - | 26 | - |
Ontario | 35 | 43 | 6 | - | 1 |
Manitoba | 11 | 1 | 2 | - | - |
Saskatchewan | 16 | 1 | - | - | - |
Alberta | 15 | - | - | 2 | - |
BC | 6 | 4 | 10 | 2 | - |
Yukon | 1 | - | - | - | - |
NWT | - | 1 | - | - | - |
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