CANADA HISTORY - Elections

1980 ELECTION


The 1980 Federal Election in Canada

The 1980 federal election in Canada was one of the most dramatic and consequential elections in the country’s political history. Coming only nine months after the defeat of Joe Clark’s short-lived Progressive Conservative government, this election saw the return of Pierre Elliott Trudeau and the Liberal Party to power. The campaign was fought over major issues such as the economy, energy policy, and national unity, with the looming Quebec referendum casting a shadow over the entire campaign. This election, with its significant implications for Canadian politics, marked the beginning of Trudeau’s final years in power and the crystallization of many of the issues that would dominate Canadian politics in the 1980s.

Political Situation Before the Election

The political context leading up to the 1980 federal election was shaped by the brief tenure of Joe Clark’s Progressive Conservative government, which had been in power for just nine months. In the 1979 federal election, Clark had led the Progressive Conservatives to a narrow victory over Trudeau’s Liberals, forming a minority government. However, Clark’s government quickly ran into trouble, primarily over its handling of economic and fiscal policy.

The tipping point came in December 1979, when Clark’s government introduced a budget that proposed significant tax increases, including a controversial 4-cent-per-liter hike in the excise tax on gasoline. This budget was poorly received, not only by the opposition parties but also by many Canadians, particularly during a period of economic stagnation and high inflation. The Clark government’s budget was defeated in the House of Commons on December 13, 1979, leading to a vote of no confidence and the dissolution of Parliament.

The defeat of Clark’s government set the stage for the 1980 federal election. Despite having stepped down as Liberal leader after the 1979 defeat, Pierre Trudeau re-entered the political fray, reclaiming the Liberal leadership and leading his party into the campaign. The political dynamics of the election were dominated by the public’s frustration with the economy, the question of national unity in the face of an impending Quebec sovereignty referendum, and debates over energy policy, particularly the control of Western Canada’s oil resources.

Party Leaders

Pierre Elliott Trudeau (Liberal Party): Trudeau had already served as Prime Minister for over a decade before his brief departure from politics in 1979. His return to the leadership of the Liberal Party was seen by many as an act of political resilience, and he remained one of the most charismatic and controversial figures in Canadian politics. Trudeau’s vision of a united, bilingual Canada, combined with his progressive social policies, remained central to his political platform. However, his handling of the economy during his previous time in office had been criticized, and he entered the campaign with both loyal supporters and strong detractors.

Joe Clark (Progressive Conservative Party): At just 39 years old, Clark had become Canada’s youngest Prime Minister in 1979, but his inexperience was often cited as a weakness. His government’s rapid collapse over its failed budget left Clark vulnerable to accusations of poor leadership and political miscalculation. However, Clark remained committed to leading the Progressive Conservatives and focused his campaign on fiscal responsibility, economic reform, and a more decentralized federalism.

Ed Broadbent (New Democratic Party): Ed Broadbent had led the NDP since 1975 and had earned a reputation as a thoughtful and principled leader. His platform emphasized social justice, workers’ rights, and the expansion of social programs. Broadbent was widely respected, but the NDP’s challenge in this election was to differentiate itself from the Liberals, especially with Trudeau returning to lead a left-leaning platform.

Real Caouette (Social Credit Party): The Social Credit Party, which had been a significant force in Quebec politics, was in decline by 1980. Under the leadership of Real Caouette, the party had limited appeal outside Quebec and was struggling to remain relevant on the national stage.

Issues of the Election

Several major issues defined the 1980 election campaign:

The Economy: As in the 1979 election, the economy was a central issue in 1980. Canada was grappling with high inflation, rising unemployment, and slow economic growth. Joe Clark’s government had fallen because of its unpopular budget, and the economic management of both the Liberals and the Progressive Conservatives was a key concern for voters. Trudeau criticized Clark’s handling of the economy, positioning himself as a more experienced and capable leader who could guide the country through difficult economic times.

National Unity and the Quebec Referendum: National unity was a critical issue in the 1980 election, with the Quebec sovereignty referendum scheduled for May 1980, just months after the election. The referendum, led by the Parti Québécois under Premier René Lévesque, sought to give Quebecers the opportunity to vote for sovereignty-association with Canada. Trudeau, a staunch federalist and a Quebec native, framed the election as a fight for the future of Canada’s unity. He promised to oppose Quebec separatism and argued that his leadership was crucial in keeping the country together.

Energy Policy and Western Alienation: Energy policy, particularly the control and distribution of Canada’s oil resources, was another significant issue. Alberta, as Canada’s leading oil-producing province, was increasingly at odds with the federal government over the regulation and taxation of oil revenues. Trudeau’s energy policies, particularly his plan for a National Energy Program (NEP), were highly controversial in Western Canada, where many voters felt that Ottawa was unfairly benefiting from Alberta’s oil wealth. The issue of Western alienation was a key theme in the election, with Joe Clark advocating for a more decentralized federalism that would give provinces greater control over their resources.

Leadership and Experience: The election also revolved around the theme of leadership. Trudeau’s return to politics after his brief departure was seen by some as a sign of his resilience and statesmanship, while others viewed it as a desperate attempt to regain power. In contrast, Joe Clark’s leadership was called into question after his government’s early collapse. The election became a contest between Trudeau’s experience and Clark’s promise of new leadership.

Campaign Strategies

Liberal Party: Trudeau’s campaign was built around the themes of national unity and experienced leadership. His message to voters was clear: he was the only leader who could prevent the breakup of Canada and manage the complex issues surrounding Quebec’s sovereignty referendum. Trudeau also presented himself as a steady hand who could manage the economy better than Clark had during his brief time in office. The Liberals framed the election as a choice between strong leadership and the inexperience of the Progressive Conservatives. Trudeau’s personal charisma, media presence, and reputation as a fighter for national unity helped energize the Liberal campaign.

Progressive Conservative Party: Clark’s campaign focused on economic issues, particularly his opposition to Trudeau’s centralized approach to federalism and energy policy. Clark promised to reduce government intervention in the economy, decentralize federal powers, and give provinces more control over their resources. However, Clark’s leadership was a liability; his government’s fall after just nine months in power was a significant challenge for the Conservatives to overcome. The Progressive Conservatives struggled to regain the momentum they had in 1979, and Clark’s inexperience became a recurring theme in the Liberal attacks.

New Democratic Party: Ed Broadbent and the NDP focused on issues of economic equality, social justice, and workers’ rights. Broadbent criticized both the Liberals and Conservatives for their failure to address the needs of ordinary Canadians, particularly during a time of economic difficulty. The NDP campaigned for stronger social programs, more government intervention in the economy, and greater protections for workers. While the NDP had a solid base of support, it struggled to break through as a major contender in an election dominated by the battle between Trudeau and Clark.

Social Credit Party: The Social Credit Party, under Real Caouette, focused primarily on Quebec voters, but the party’s influence had waned considerably by 1980. The Social Credit campaign was regional and had little impact on the national outcome.

Campaign Events and Election Day

The 1980 election campaign was intense and competitive, with national unity and the economy dominating the political discourse. Trudeau’s return to the political stage reinvigorated the Liberal Party, and his campaign capitalized on his strengths as a leader with deep experience and a clear vision for the country. The impending Quebec referendum added urgency to the election, with Trudeau positioning himself as the only leader who could keep Canada united.

Clark’s campaign struggled to regain the ground lost after the fall of his government. While the Progressive Conservatives emphasized economic reform and decentralization, they failed to overcome the perception that Clark was inexperienced and had mismanaged the budget crisis that led to his defeat.

Television played a crucial role in shaping public perceptions of the leaders. Trudeau’s mastery of media and his ability to connect with voters through television was a significant advantage. Clark, while articulate, lacked the same level of charisma and struggled to inspire confidence in his leadership.

On election day, February 18, 1980, the Liberals won a decisive victory, securing 147 seats in the House of Commons, compared to 103 for the Progressive Conservatives. The NDP won 32 seats, while the Social Credit Party won 6 seats.

Results and Aftermath

The 1980 election marked a dramatic comeback for Pierre Trudeau and the Liberal Party. Trudeau’s victory reaffirmed his status as one of Canada’s most influential political figures, and his return to power allowed him to pursue his vision for a united Canada. The election result also set the stage for Trudeau’s handling of the Quebec sovereignty referendum later in the year, in which he would play a pivotal role in securing a "No" vote and preserving national unity.

For Joe Clark and the Progressive Conservatives, the election was a significant setback. Clark’s leadership was called into question after the defeat, and his government’s brief tenure became a focal point for criticism. Although the Progressive Conservatives remained a significant force in Canadian politics, the 1980 election marked the beginning of a period of internal reflection and leadership challenges for the party.

The NDP, under Ed Broadbent, continued to be a strong third party, but it remained on the margins of national politics. Broadbent’s message of social justice and economic equality resonated with many voters, but the NDP struggled to compete with the two major parties in an election focused on national unity and economic management.

The 1980 election was a turning point in Canadian politics, marking the return of Trudeau and the beginning of the final chapter in his political career. Trudeau’s victory allowed him to tackle some of the most pressing issues of the time, including the Quebec referendum and constitutional reform, which would culminate in the patriation of the Canadian Constitution and the creation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982.

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Pierre Trudeau - Liberal

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Joe Clark - Progressive Conservative

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Ed Broadbent -NDP

Election
Party
Elected Members # of Candidates % of Popular Vote % of Seats
1980 (February 18) - Turnout: 69.3
Liberal  147 282 44.3 % 52.1 %
Progressive Conservative  103 282 32.5 % 36.5 %
New Democratic Party  32 282 19.8 % 11.3 %
Social Credit    84 1.7 % 0.0 %
Other    574 1.7 % 0.0 %
Total 282 1,504    
Government--147, Opposition--135, Majority--12
Total - 282 Conser Liberal NDP/ CCF Social Credit Other
Canada 103 147 32 - -
Newfoundland 2 5 - - -
PEI 2 2 - - -
Nova Scotia 6 5 - - -
New Brunswick 3 7 - - -
Quebec 1 74 - - -
Ontario 38 52 5 - -
Manitoba 5 2 7 - -
Saskatchewan 7 - 7 - -
Alberta 21 - - - -
BC 16 - 12 - -
Yukon 1 - - - -
NWT 1 - 1 - -

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

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