The 1979 Federal Election in Canada
The 1979 federal election in Canada was a pivotal moment in the country’s political history, marking the end of Pierre Elliott Trudeau’s long-standing Liberal government and the rise of a new, younger Conservative leader, Joe Clark. This election resulted in a minority government led by Clark’s Progressive Conservatives and ushered in a brief but significant shift in Canadian politics. The 1979 election was defined by economic concerns, debates over national unity, and questions about leadership, ultimately leading to the end of Trudeau's tenure as Prime Minister—albeit temporarily.
Political Situation Before the Election
By the late 1970s, the political landscape in Canada had changed dramatically. Pierre Trudeau had been Prime Minister for most of the previous decade, having governed from 1968 to 1979, except for a brief minority government in 1972–1974. Although Trudeau had initially been a popular and charismatic leader, his later years in office were marred by economic difficulties, growing public dissatisfaction, and regional divisions.
The Canadian economy was in a precarious position as inflation and unemployment rose during the latter half of the 1970s. The global oil crisis of 1973 and the subsequent economic shocks had left many Canadians feeling uncertain about the future. High inflation, interest rates, and stagnant economic growth created widespread discontent, and the Liberal government was increasingly seen as out of touch with the concerns of ordinary citizens.
Trudeau’s government also faced challenges on the issue of national unity. While Trudeau had been a staunch advocate of federalism, relations with Quebec were strained. The rise of the Parti Québécois under Premier René Lévesque, which advocated for Quebec sovereignty, had resulted in the election of a separatist provincial government in Quebec in 1976. This created a new political dynamic, with national unity becoming a central issue once again.
Internally, the Liberal Party was exhausted after years in power, and Trudeau himself was seen by many as a leader who had overstayed his welcome. The party faced mounting pressure as the opposition parties, particularly the Progressive Conservatives under Joe Clark, capitalized on the growing frustration with the government.
Party Leaders
Pierre Elliott Trudeau (Liberal Party): By 1979, Trudeau’s image had evolved from that of the dynamic, youthful leader who had swept to power in 1968. Now seen as aloof and out of touch with the economic realities facing many Canadians, his government was criticized for failing to address rising inflation and unemployment. Nonetheless, Trudeau remained a formidable political force, known for his intellectual rigor and commitment to national unity, particularly in the face of Quebec separatism.
Joe Clark (Progressive Conservative Party): Joe Clark, a relatively young and inexperienced politician, became the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party in 1976, succeeding Robert Stanfield. At 39 years old, Clark was often underestimated by his opponents and even ridiculed in the press for his youthful appearance and perceived awkwardness. However, Clark was able to unite a party that had been divided after years of electoral failures, presenting himself as a fresh alternative to Trudeau’s leadership. His campaign focused on addressing economic concerns, reducing government intervention, and decentralizing federal power.
Ed Broadbent (New Democratic Party): Ed Broadbent had been the leader of the NDP since 1975, bringing a pragmatic and articulate approach to the party. He focused on social justice, economic equality, and labor rights. While the NDP had a loyal base, particularly among unionized workers, it struggled to break through as a national contender against the Liberals and Progressive Conservatives. Broadbent’s message of fairness and economic justice resonated with many voters frustrated by inflation and rising costs of living, but his party remained a distant third in national politics.
Real Caouette (Social Credit Party): The Social Credit Party, once a significant force in Quebec, was in decline by 1979. Under Real Caouette, the party appealed to a conservative, populist base, but it had little impact outside of its regional stronghold.
Issues of the Election
Several key issues dominated the 1979 federal election, reflecting the economic and political challenges facing the country:
The Economy: The central issue of the election was the economy. Rising inflation, high unemployment, and stagnant growth had created widespread economic anxiety. The Trudeau government was seen as having failed to address these problems effectively. The Progressive Conservatives focused heavily on the need for economic reform, promising tax cuts, reduced government spending, and measures to stimulate the private sector.
National Unity: The issue of national unity, particularly the question of Quebec’s place within Canada, was another significant concern. Trudeau’s commitment to federalism and his opposition to Quebec separatism were well known, but his confrontational style had alienated some voters in Quebec. Joe Clark, while also a federalist, promised a less centralized approach to federal-provincial relations, appealing to voters who wanted a different path for managing Canada’s internal divisions.
Energy Policy: Energy policy, particularly the question of how Canada should manage its oil resources, was a major issue. Western provinces, particularly Alberta, were calling for more control over their natural resources, while the Trudeau government’s energy policies had alienated some Western voters. Joe Clark promised to decentralize control over resources, giving provinces more autonomy in managing their energy wealth.
Leadership and Change: The election was also framed as a referendum on leadership. Trudeau’s long tenure as Prime Minister had led to accusations that he was out of touch with the needs of ordinary Canadians. In contrast, Joe Clark positioned himself as a fresh, youthful alternative, promising change and a new direction for the country.
Campaign Strategies
Liberal Party: Trudeau’s campaign focused on defending the Liberal government’s record, particularly on issues of national unity and social progress. The Liberals framed themselves as the party of experience, stability, and strong leadership in the face of challenges such as Quebec separatism. However, the party struggled to respond effectively to criticisms of its economic management. Trudeau’s personal style—intellectual, aloof, and confrontational—did not resonate with voters as it had in previous elections. The Liberal campaign lacked the energy and enthusiasm of earlier years.
Progressive Conservative Party: Joe Clark’s campaign was built around the theme of change. The Progressive Conservatives promised to reduce government intervention in the economy, decentralize federal power, and give more control to the provinces, particularly over natural resources. Clark also emphasized tax cuts and measures to curb inflation. The Conservatives framed Trudeau as out of touch and past his prime, while presenting Clark as a youthful, energetic alternative. Clark’s campaign was well-organized, and despite doubts about his inexperience, he managed to present himself as a credible candidate for Prime Minister.
New Democratic Party: Ed Broadbent and the NDP focused on issues of economic justice and social inequality. The party called for greater government intervention in the economy to protect workers, expand social programs, and combat corporate power. Broadbent’s message resonated with left-leaning voters, but the NDP struggled to gain traction beyond its traditional base.
Social Credit Party: The Social Credit Party, under Real Caouette, ran a regional campaign focused primarily on Quebec. The party’s populist, conservative message appealed to some voters, but it had little impact on the national stage.
Campaign Events and Election Day
The 1979 election campaign was notable for its focus on the economy and leadership. As the campaign progressed, Joe Clark gained momentum, largely by presenting himself as a fresh alternative to the long-serving Trudeau. The Progressive Conservative campaign was disciplined and focused, with Clark effectively addressing concerns about his inexperience.
Trudeau, on the other hand, struggled to connect with voters. His campaign lacked the energy of previous elections, and he was often seen as defensive and out of touch with the economic realities facing Canadians. The Liberals’ inability to effectively counter the Conservatives’ economic message proved to be a significant weakness.
Television played a key role in shaping public perceptions of the leaders. Clark’s television appearances were seen as competent, if somewhat lacking in charisma, while Trudeau’s aloof style did little to dispel the perception that he was detached from the concerns of ordinary Canadians. Broadbent performed well in debates and interviews, but the NDP’s message was overshadowed by the contest between the Liberals and Conservatives.
On election day, May 22, 1979, the Progressive Conservatives won 136 seats, while the Liberals secured 114 seats. The NDP won 26 seats, and the Social Credit Party won 6 seats. Although the Progressive Conservatives did not win a majority, Joe Clark was able to form a minority government, becoming Canada’s youngest Prime Minister at the age of 39.
Results and Aftermath
The 1979 election marked the end of Pierre Trudeau’s long tenure as Prime Minister, at least temporarily. The Liberals’ defeat reflected growing public dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the economy and Trudeau’s leadership style. Although the Progressive Conservatives had won only a minority, their victory was seen as a significant shift in Canadian politics.
Joe Clark’s government, however, would prove to be short-lived. The minority status of his government made it vulnerable to opposition challenges, and Clark’s inexperience would soon become apparent. In December 1979, only seven months after taking office, Clark’s government was defeated in a vote of no confidence on its budget, triggering a new election in 1980.
Pierre Trudeau, who had initially resigned as Liberal leader following the 1979 defeat, returned to lead the party into the 1980 election, ultimately regaining power and serving as Prime Minister until 1984.
The 1979 election was a key moment in Canadian political history, not only because it ended Trudeau’s first period in office but also because it highlighted the changing dynamics of Canadian politics. The rise of Joe Clark
Election Party |
Elected Members | # of Candidates | % of Popular Vote | % of Seats |
---|---|---|---|---|
1979 (May 22) - Turnout: 75.7 % | ||||
Progressive Conservative | 136 | 282 | 35.9 % | 48.2 % |
Liberal | 114 | 282 | 40.1 % | 40.4 % |
New Democratic Party | 26 | 282 | 17.9 % | 9.2 % |
Social Credit | 6 | 103 | 4.6 % | 2.1 % |
Other | 475 | 1.5 % | 0.0 % | |
Total | 282 | 1,424 | ||
Government--136, Opposition--146, Minority--10 |
Total - 282 | Conser | Liberal | NDP/ CCF | Social Credit | Other |
Canada | 136 | 114 | 26 | 6 | - |
Newfoundland | 2 | 4 | 1 | - | - |
PEI | 4 | - | - | - | - |
Nova Scotia | 8 | 2 | 1 | - | - |
New Brunswick | 4 | 6 | - | - | - |
Quebec | 2 | 67 | - | 6 | - |
Ontario | 57 | 32 | 6 | - | - |
Manitoba | 7 | 2 | 5 | - | - |
Saskatchewan | 10 | - | 4 | - | - |
Alberta | 21 | - | - | - | - |
BC | 19 | 1 | 8 | - | - |
Yukon | 1 | - | - | - | - |
NWT | 1 | - | 1 | - | - |
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