The 1968 Federal Election in Canada
The 1968 federal election in Canada is one of the most fascinating elections in the country's political history, remembered for the rise of Pierre Elliott Trudeau, the charisma that launched "Trudeaumania," and the profound changes in the nation's political and social fabric. To fully understand the significance of this election, it is crucial to look at the political situation before the election, the key players, the issues at stake, and the strategies that led to a Liberal Party majority and Trudeau's ascent as Prime Minister.
Political Situation Before the Election
The political atmosphere in Canada leading up to the 1968 election was charged with change and uncertainty. The Liberal Party, which had been in power since 1963 under Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, was navigating a rapidly evolving political landscape. Pearson had been a well-respected leader, particularly for his role in winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957 for his work in establishing the United Nations peacekeeping forces. However, Pearson's leadership was nearing an end, and his government was dealing with significant internal and external challenges.
The 1960s were a transformative decade for Canada, marked by a growing desire for modernization and a national identity distinct from Britain and the United States. Social issues such as bilingualism, national unity, and civil rights were becoming central, while Canada's role in the Cold War and the Vietnam War loomed over its foreign policy. Pearson's government had worked on fostering Canadian identity and federal-provincial relations, but the rising nationalist sentiment in Quebec, highlighted by the growing popularity of the separatist Parti Québécois, presented a significant challenge.
By 1967, Pearson announced his retirement from politics, sparking a heated race within the Liberal Party to find his successor. The key contenders included prominent Liberal figures such as Paul Martin Sr., Robert Winters, and Pierre Elliott Trudeau, a relatively new face on the national scene. Trudeau, known for his intellect and charm, captured the imagination of many Canadians and quickly rose to prominence, winning the Liberal leadership in April 1968.
The Progressive Conservative Party, led by Robert Stanfield, was also experiencing internal struggles. Despite being seen as a competent leader and a moderate force within the party, Stanfield lacked the charisma and popular appeal of his Liberal counterpart. The New Democratic Party (NDP), under Tommy Douglas, was a respected political force advocating for social democratic policies, though it struggled to break through to a broader electorate.
Party Leaders
Pierre Elliott Trudeau (Liberal Party): Trudeau had been a cabinet minister in Pearson's government, responsible for justice and attorney general. As a younger, more dynamic leader, he captivated the public's attention with his intellect, personal charm, and progressive ideas. He positioned himself as a modern leader capable of bridging the growing divide between French and English Canada, and his commitment to individual rights and freedoms resonated with many voters.
Robert Stanfield (Progressive Conservative Party): Stanfield, the Premier of Nova Scotia before becoming the leader of the Progressive Conservatives in 1967, was regarded as a pragmatic and thoughtful politician. His leadership style was seen as calm and steady, but his lack of excitement and charisma would later become a liability in the campaign.
Tommy Douglas (New Democratic Party): Douglas was an iconic figure in Canadian politics, credited with bringing in North America's first single-payer, universal healthcare system as Premier of Saskatchewan. By 1968, Douglas was advocating for the expansion of social programs, more equitable wealth distribution, and stronger labor rights. Despite his reputation, the NDP struggled to gain significant electoral traction outside of its traditional base.
Real Caouette (Social Credit Party): The Social Credit Party, a populist movement primarily based in Quebec, was led by Real Caouette. While not a major contender for forming government, the party played a role in representing Quebec's more conservative and nationalist voters.
Issues of the Election
Several key issues dominated the 1968 federal election:
National Unity and Bilingualism: The question of national unity, particularly the relationship between Quebec and the rest of Canada, was central. Trudeau, a strong federalist, advocated for a bilingual and bicultural Canada, supporting the Official Languages Act, which would make both French and English the official languages of the country. This policy had strong support in Quebec but was more controversial in English-speaking Canada.
Social Reform: Trudeau promised progressive social reforms, including the liberalization of laws related to divorce, abortion, and homosexuality, which were considered forward-thinking at the time.
The Economy: Canada’s economy was also a major issue, as the country was dealing with inflation, unemployment, and concerns over economic sovereignty. Both the Progressive Conservatives and the NDP focused on economic issues, with the NDP advocating for greater government intervention in the economy.
National Identity: Many Canadians were concerned with developing a distinct national identity separate from Britain and the U.S., while some Quebecers were increasingly vocal about seeking independence. Trudeau’s vision of a unified Canada, with equal treatment for both of its founding peoples, appealed to voters who feared the disintegration of the country.
Campaign Strategies
Liberal Party: Trudeau’s campaign was built around his personal charisma and the media-driven phenomenon known as "Trudeaumania." Trudeau appeared as the face of a modern, progressive Canada, ready to take on the challenges of the future. His message of unity and his ability to communicate effectively in both English and French gave him an edge over his rivals. His rallies drew large crowds, particularly young people, and he was skillfully marketed as a fresh, energetic leader for a new generation.
Progressive Conservative Party: Stanfield ran a more traditional campaign, focused on presenting himself as a steady hand who could manage Canada’s economy and deal with the country's growing challenges. His style, however, was seen as wooden and uninspiring compared to Trudeau's flamboyant public persona. Stanfield’s campaign attempted to frame the Liberals as irresponsible and overly idealistic, but it struggled to gain traction.
New Democratic Party: Tommy Douglas emphasized social issues, such as expanding healthcare, improving social welfare programs, and labor rights. While the NDP had a loyal base, it failed to break into mainstream politics, particularly as Trudeau’s charisma and appeal to younger voters overshadowed Douglas' message.
Social Credit Party: Caouette's Social Credit focused primarily on appealing to Quebec's nationalist and conservative voters, advocating for economic reforms and a more traditionalist approach to politics. Though the party had limited national appeal, it remained a force in Quebec.
The Campaign and Election Day
The campaign itself was marked by high energy and enthusiasm for Trudeau, who traveled across the country attracting large, adoring crowds. The media played a crucial role in shaping the public’s perception of the candidates, and Trudeau’s ability to use television and radio effectively helped bolster his image.
The Progressive Conservative campaign, by contrast, was seen as dull. Stanfield's inability to inspire large numbers of voters and his awkward media presence hampered his efforts to present himself as a viable alternative to Trudeau. His “steady hand” approach failed to compete with the excitement Trudeau generated.
On election day, June 25, 1968, the Liberals won a strong majority, securing 154 seats in the House of Commons, while the Progressive Conservatives took 72 seats. The NDP, despite running a solid campaign, only secured 22 seats, and the Social Credit Party gained 14.
Aftermath
Pierre Trudeau's victory in 1968 marked a turning point in Canadian politics. His administration would go on to introduce significant reforms, including the passage of the Official Languages Act and the advancement of civil liberties. His charismatic leadership style set a new standard for Canadian political campaigns, where media and personal image became more critical than ever before.
The Progressive Conservative Party, while disappointed by the results, would continue under Stanfield’s leadership but struggled to mount a significant challenge against Trudeau in subsequent elections. The NDP, while respected for its advocacy of social issues, remained on the fringes of Canadian political life, unable to break the Liberal and Conservative hold on power.
For many Canadians, the 1968 election symbolized the beginning of a new era, one marked by optimism, modernization, and a vision of a more united and inclusive Canada under the leadership of Pierre Trudeau. His influence on Canadian politics would endure for decades, and the election of 1968 remains a defining moment in the country's political history.
Election Party |
Elected Members | # of Candidates | % of Popular Vote | % of Seats |
---|---|---|---|---|
1968 (June 25) - Turnout: 75.7 % | ||||
Liberal | 155 | 263 | 45.5 % | 58.7 % |
Progressive Conservative | 72 | 263 | 31.4 % | 27.3 % |
New Democratic Party | 22 | 263 | 17.0 % | 8.3 % |
Other | 15 | 147 | 1.7 % | 5.7 % |
Social Credit | 31 | 0.0 % | ||
Total | 264 | 967 | ||
Government (Liberal / Liberal-Labour)--155, Opposition--109, Majority--46 |
Total - 264 | Conser | Liberal | NDP/ CCF | Social Credit | Other |
Canada | 72 | 155 | 22 | - | 15 |
Newfoundland | 6 | 1 | - | - | - |
PEI | 4 | - | - | - | - |
Nova Scotia | 10 | 1 | - | - | - |
New Brunswick | 5 | 5 | - | - | - |
Quebec | 4 | 56 | - | - | 14 |
Ontario | 17 | 64 | 6 | - | 1 |
Manitoba | 5 | 5 | 3 | - | - |
Saskatchewan | 5 | 2 | 6 | - | - |
Alberta | 15 | 4 | - | - | - |
BC | - | 16 | 7 | - | - |
Yukon | 1 | - | - | - | - |
NWT | - | 1 | - | - | - |
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