CANADA HISTORY - Elections

1984 ELECTION


The 1984 Federal Election in Canada

The 1984 federal election in Canada was a historic event, marking a significant realignment in Canadian politics. It saw the departure of Pierre Elliott Trudeau, one of Canada’s most prominent political figures, and the ascension of Brian Mulroney, whose Progressive Conservative Party won one of the largest electoral victories in Canadian history. This election reflected Canadians' desire for change, driven by economic concerns, issues of national unity, and the exhaustion of the long-running Liberal government. The 1984 election also reshaped the political landscape for years to come, as the Progressive Conservatives took control of Parliament in a sweeping majority.

Political Situation Before the Election

By 1984, the political climate in Canada was dominated by a growing sense of discontent with the long-governing Liberal Party. Pierre Trudeau, who had served as Prime Minister for most of the period since 1968, had announced his retirement from politics in February 1984. Although he had returned to power in 1980 with a strong mandate, his final years in office were marked by economic stagnation, high unemployment, rising national debt, and persistent inflation. The early 1980s recession had left many Canadians dissatisfied with the government’s economic management.

Trudeau’s government had also been defined by significant achievements, particularly the patriation of the Constitution and the introduction of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982. However, these accomplishments were overshadowed by economic difficulties and a growing sense that the Liberal Party had become disconnected from the concerns of ordinary Canadians. There was also increasing regional discontent, particularly in Western Canada, where Trudeau’s National Energy Program (NEP) had caused deep resentment, especially in oil-producing provinces like Alberta.

Trudeau’s successor, John Turner, took over as Liberal leader in June 1984. Turner, a former finance minister and corporate lawyer, had left politics in 1975 but returned to lead the party after Trudeau’s departure. Although Turner was initially seen as a fresh face capable of reviving the Liberals, his leadership soon ran into trouble, and he struggled to distance himself from the legacy of the Trudeau years.

The Progressive Conservative Party, meanwhile, had undergone a transformation under the leadership of Brian Mulroney, who became party leader in 1983. Mulroney, a charismatic businessman from Quebec, brought a message of change and renewal, positioning the Progressive Conservatives as the party that could provide economic growth and restore national unity. With growing dissatisfaction with the Liberals, Mulroney’s Conservatives were poised to make significant gains.

The New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Ed Broadbent, also saw an opportunity in the growing anti-Liberal sentiment. Broadbent’s leadership had strengthened the NDP's position as the party of social justice, advocating for economic equality, labor rights, and an expanded social safety net. While the NDP had never formed government at the federal level, Broadbent’s leadership brought credibility and increased electoral support to the party.

Party Leaders

John Turner (Liberal Party): Turner was a veteran politician who had served as Minister of Finance under Trudeau before leaving politics in 1975. After a decade in the private sector, Turner returned to lead the Liberal Party, succeeding Trudeau in 1984. Turner initially enjoyed high approval ratings, but his leadership quickly faltered due to his association with Trudeau-era policies and his inability to provide a clear vision for the future. Turner was seen as out of touch with the political landscape, and his campaign was marked by several key missteps.

Brian Mulroney (Progressive Conservative Party): Mulroney was a charismatic and ambitious leader who had revitalized the Progressive Conservative Party. His background as a lawyer and businessman, combined with his fluency in both French and English, made him a formidable national leader. Mulroney’s campaign focused on economic renewal, federal-provincial relations, and the need for political change after years of Liberal rule. He positioned the Progressive Conservatives as a broad-based, inclusive party that could address regional grievances, particularly in Quebec and Western Canada.

Ed Broadbent (New Democratic Party): Broadbent had led the NDP since 1975, and under his leadership, the party had grown in popularity, particularly among working-class voters and those concerned with social justice. Broadbent’s platform focused on reducing inequality, expanding social programs, and ensuring fair treatment for workers. While the NDP was not expected to win the election, Broadbent hoped to build on the party’s growing momentum and increase its influence in Parliament.

Issues of the Election

The 1984 election was shaped by several key issues, reflecting the economic and political concerns of Canadians at the time:

The Economy: After years of economic stagnation and high unemployment, the state of the Canadian economy was the central issue of the 1984 election. The early 1980s recession had left deep scars, and many voters were frustrated with the Liberal government’s handling of the economy. The Progressive Conservatives promised economic renewal, lower taxes, and a reduction in the federal deficit. Mulroney’s message of economic recovery resonated with voters, especially in contrast to the Liberals, who were seen as responsible for the country’s economic difficulties.

National Unity: National unity remained a major concern, particularly in light of the growing discontent in Quebec and Western Canada. Mulroney’s ability to appeal to both Quebec and English Canada made him a strong contender to bridge the country’s regional divides. His promise to reform federalism and give provinces more control over their affairs was a key part of his platform, especially in Quebec, where he sought to win support from nationalist voters.

Corruption and Patronage: The Liberal Party’s long tenure in office had led to allegations of corruption and patronage. Turner’s decision to approve a series of patronage appointments made by Trudeau before leaving office became a significant issue during the campaign. Mulroney capitalized on this by positioning himself as the candidate of clean government and political renewal.

Energy Policy and Western Alienation: Trudeau’s National Energy Program (NEP) had been deeply unpopular in Western Canada, particularly in Alberta, where it was seen as an attack on provincial control over natural resources. Mulroney promised to repeal the NEP and restore provincial autonomy over energy policy, which helped him gain support in the West.

Campaign Strategies

Liberal Party: John Turner’s campaign struggled to gain traction. Although he attempted to present himself as a fresh leader with new ideas, his association with the Trudeau government’s economic policies and his approval of Trudeau’s last-minute patronage appointments undermined his credibility. Turner’s leadership was also marked by a lack of clear messaging and campaign missteps, including a disastrous televised debate with Mulroney. During the debate, Mulroney attacked Turner for approving Trudeau’s patronage appointments, famously declaring, "You had an option, sir!" This moment became a turning point in the campaign, as Turner’s credibility took a significant hit.

Progressive Conservative Party: Mulroney’s campaign was highly effective, focusing on themes of change, economic renewal, and national unity. Mulroney positioned the Progressive Conservatives as the party that could revitalize the economy, reduce unemployment, and bring fresh leadership to Ottawa. His ability to appeal to both English and French-speaking Canadians, particularly in Quebec, was a key asset. The Progressive Conservatives ran a well-organized campaign that capitalized on voter dissatisfaction with the Liberals and Mulroney’s personal charisma.

New Democratic Party: Ed Broadbent’s NDP campaign focused on social justice and economic equality. Broadbent positioned the NDP as the party that could address the needs of ordinary Canadians, particularly workers and the economically disadvantaged. The NDP promised to expand social programs, increase support for labor unions, and reduce economic inequality. While the NDP remained a distant third in the national polls, Broadbent’s leadership helped solidify the party’s position as a credible and growing force in Canadian politics.

Campaign Events and Election Day

The 1984 election campaign was notable for its dramatic moments, particularly the televised debates. Mulroney’s performance in the debates, especially his confrontation with Turner over patronage, was a turning point that solidified his lead in the polls. Turner’s inability to effectively counter Mulroney’s attacks and his lack of a clear message contributed to the Liberal Party’s decline.

As the campaign progressed, the Progressive Conservatives gained momentum, with Mulroney’s message of economic renewal and national unity resonating with voters across the country. The Liberals, by contrast, struggled to shake off the perception that they were out of touch and responsible for the country’s economic difficulties.

On election day, September 4, 1984, the Progressive Conservatives won a landslide victory, capturing 211 seats in the House of Commons, the largest majority in Canadian history at the time. The Liberals, under Turner, were reduced to just 40 seats, marking their worst electoral performance in decades. The NDP, under Broadbent, won 30 seats, solidifying its position as the third party in Canadian politics.

Results and Aftermath

The 1984 election was a watershed moment in Canadian politics, as it marked the end of the Liberal dominance that had defined much of the post-war period. Brian Mulroney’s Progressive Conservatives had won a historic mandate, and his victory signaled a shift in Canadian politics toward a more market-oriented, decentralized approach to governance.

For the Liberals, the election result was a devastating blow. John Turner’s leadership was widely criticized, and although he remained leader of the party for a few more years, the Liberals would struggle to rebuild their support. Turner’s approval of Trudeau’s patronage appointments and his inability to offer a compelling vision for the future were seen as major factors in the Liberals' defeat.

The NDP, while not able to break through as a governing party, solidified its position as a credible force in Canadian politics under Ed Broadbent. The party’s focus on social justice and economic equality helped it gain support among left-leaning voters, and it remained a strong third party in Parliament.

Mulroney’s victory ushered in a new era in Canadian politics. His government would go on to implement significant economic reforms, including free trade agreements, privatization, and deregulation, as well as efforts to address the issue of national unity through constitutional reform. The 1984 election set the stage for some of the most important political debates of the late 20th century in Canada, including the struggle over free trade and the failed attempts to amend the Constitution with the Meech Lake and Charlottetown Accords.

Overall, the 1984 federal election marked a turning point in Canadian politics, as Brian Mulroney’s Progressive Conservatives replaced the long-dominant Liberals, and Canada entered a new phase of economic and political transformation.



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Brian Mulroney - PC

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John Turner - Liberal

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Ed Broadbent -NDP

Election
Party
Elected Members # of Candidates % of Popular Vote % of Seats
1984 (September 4) - Turnout: 75.3 %
Progressive Conservative  211 282 50.0 % 74.8 %
Liberal  40 282 28.0 % 14.2 %
New Democratic Party  30 282 18.8 % 10.6 %
Other  1 552 3.9 % 0.4 %
Social Credit    51 0.1 % 0.0 %
Total 282 1,449    
Government--211, Opposition--71, Majority--140
Total - 282 Conser Liberal NDP/ CCF Social Credit Other
Canada 211 40 30 - 1
Newfoundland 4 3 - - -
PEI 3 1 - - -
Nova Scotia 9 2 - - -
New Brunswick 9 1 - - -
Quebec 58 17 - - -
Ontario 67 14 13 - 1
Manitoba 9 1 4 - -
Saskatchewan 9 - 5 - -
Alberta 21 - - - -
BC 19 1 8 - -
Yukon 1 - - - -
NWT 2 - - - -

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

Source: NA



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