CANADA HISTORY - Elections

The 1988 Federal Election in Canada

The 1988 federal election in Canada stands as one of the most significant and divisive elections in the country's history. The election was framed largely as a referendum on the Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement (FTA), making it a campaign where economic policy, national sovereignty, and leadership clashed head-on. Ultimately, the election cemented the future of Canada's trade policies and the direction of its economy for decades. It was also marked by intense debate, passionate campaigns, and dramatic moments that helped shape the outcome.

Political Situation Before the Election

By 1988, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney’s Progressive Conservative (PC) government had been in power for four years following a landslide victory in 1984. During Mulroney's first term, his government had pursued major economic and political reforms, including free-market initiatives such as privatization, deregulation, and reducing government intervention. However, his efforts to secure constitutional changes through the Meech Lake Accord, which aimed to bring Quebec fully into the constitutional fold, had sparked controversy and would remain unresolved during the election.

The major issue heading into the election was the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States, which had been signed in 1988 but was not yet ratified. Mulroney and his government were committed to the agreement, believing that it would boost Canada's economic growth by giving Canadian companies greater access to the vast U.S. market. However, the deal was highly contentious, with critics arguing that it would erode Canadian sovereignty, allow American corporations to dominate the Canadian economy, and threaten Canadian social programs and cultural protections.

Mulroney’s government faced mounting challenges heading into the election. While it had initially enjoyed widespread support after the 1984 victory, by 1988 there were signs of voter fatigue. The economic situation was improving, but unemployment remained high, and many Canadians were concerned about growing income inequality. In Western Canada, resentment towards the National Energy Program (NEP) of the previous Liberal government had helped the PCs in 1984, but tensions around energy policy remained.

The Progressive Conservatives were opposed by two strong opposition parties: the Liberals, led by former Prime Minister John Turner, and the New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Ed Broadbent. Both opposition parties were united in their opposition to the FTA, framing the election as a fight to protect Canada’s sovereignty.

Party Leaders

Brian Mulroney (Progressive Conservative Party): Mulroney was the incumbent Prime Minister and a skilled, charismatic politician known for his personal relationships with world leaders, including U.S. President Ronald Reagan. Mulroney had staked his government’s future on the Free Trade Agreement, presenting it as a cornerstone of his vision for Canada's economic prosperity. His leadership style combined populism with a pragmatic approach to policy, and he was skilled at navigating the intricacies of federal-provincial relations. Mulroney's ability to speak both French and English fluently helped him secure broad support, especially in Quebec.

John Turner (Liberal Party): Turner had been leader of the Liberal Party since 1984. Though he had lost to Mulroney in a landslide in the previous election, Turner rebounded in 1988 by positioning himself as the defender of Canadian sovereignty. A former finance minister, Turner was passionate and combative, particularly in his opposition to free trade. He argued that the FTA would subject Canada to American economic dominance, weaken its social programs, and reduce its cultural autonomy. Turner’s performance in the campaign, particularly during the televised debates, would be one of the highlights of the election.

Ed Broadbent (New Democratic Party): Broadbent had led the NDP since 1975, and under his leadership, the party had gained greater credibility and electoral support. He was a respected figure, known for his focus on social justice, workers' rights, and environmental issues. Broadbent, like Turner, opposed the FTA, framing it as a threat to Canadian jobs and social programs. The NDP’s platform centered on economic fairness, expanding social programs, and protecting workers from the effects of globalization.

Issues of the Election

The 1988 election was dominated by a single overarching issue: the Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement (FTA). While other issues were also present, including unemployment, income inequality, and environmental concerns, none came close to matching the prominence of the free trade debate. The key issues were:

Free Trade: The FTA was the focal point of the election. Mulroney and the Progressive Conservatives argued that the agreement would create jobs, boost trade, and secure Canada's economic future. They framed the FTA as an essential move to ensure Canadian industries could compete in an increasingly globalized economy. In contrast, the Liberals and NDP warned that the FTA would lead to American dominance over Canada’s economy, erode Canada’s ability to set its own policies, and threaten vital sectors like healthcare and cultural industries.

Sovereignty: Closely tied to the free trade issue was the question of Canadian sovereignty. Turner and Broadbent argued that the FTA would undermine Canada’s independence, allowing American corporations to dictate terms to Canada. They warned that the agreement would make it difficult for future Canadian governments to implement policies without the influence of the United States.

The Economy: Economic concerns were a major undercurrent throughout the campaign. While Mulroney argued that free trade would stimulate growth and create jobs, Turner and Broadbent contended that it would cost jobs, particularly in manufacturing. Both opposition parties advocated for a stronger role for government in regulating the economy and protecting Canadian industries from foreign competition.

National Unity: While not the central issue, national unity remained a concern, particularly in Quebec. Mulroney’s government had made significant efforts to engage Quebec through the Meech Lake Accord, and his personal popularity in Quebec gave the Progressive Conservatives an advantage in the province. However, dissatisfaction with federal policies and the rise of nationalist sentiment remained significant challenges.

Campaign Strategies

Progressive Conservative Party: Mulroney's strategy was to frame the election as a clear choice between economic growth through free trade and economic stagnation without it. The PCs emphasized the benefits of the FTA, arguing that it would create jobs, increase trade, and allow Canada to thrive in a global economy. Mulroney also highlighted his close relationship with President Ronald Reagan, suggesting that Canada would have a strong partner in the U.S. under the FTA. The campaign also played on Mulroney’s image as a statesman and experienced leader, capable of negotiating deals that would benefit Canada.

Liberal Party: John Turner’s campaign was built around a fierce opposition to the FTA. Turner framed the election as a battle for Canada’s sovereignty, passionately arguing that the FTA would give away control of Canada’s economic future to the U.S. Turner’s message was emotional and nationalistic, appealing to voters who feared that free trade would erode Canada’s identity and independence. The Liberals also promised to protect Canadian industries, social programs, and cultural policies from American influence. Turner’s passionate performances during the televised debates helped energize his campaign.

New Democratic Party: Ed Broadbent and the NDP also focused on opposing the FTA, but from a different angle than the Liberals. Broadbent argued that free trade would result in job losses, particularly in manufacturing, and would weaken Canada’s social safety net. The NDP promised to protect workers, expand social programs, and ensure that Canadian industries were not subjected to unfair competition. Broadbent’s campaign also emphasized economic justice, promising to reduce income inequality and protect public services from cuts.

Campaign Events and Election Day

The 1988 election campaign was one of the most heated and contentious in Canadian history. The FTA dominated the discourse, with both sides presenting starkly different visions for Canada’s future. One of the defining moments of the campaign was the televised leaders’ debates, in which John Turner delivered a passionate performance, accusing Mulroney of “selling out” Canada to the United States. Turner’s fiery rhetoric and his emotional defense of Canadian sovereignty resonated with many voters, helping to boost the Liberal campaign.

However, despite Turner’s strong performance in the debates, Mulroney’s message of economic growth and opportunity through free trade ultimately resonated with a broad segment of the electorate. The PCs ran a disciplined, well-organized campaign, and Mulroney’s ability to speak directly to voters in both English and French helped him maintain support across the country, particularly in Quebec.

Ed Broadbent’s NDP also ran a strong campaign, with Broadbent’s message of economic justice and opposition to free trade resonating with progressive voters. However, the NDP was unable to break through the intense polarization between the Liberals and Progressive Conservatives over the FTA.

On election day, November 21, 1988, the Progressive Conservatives won 169 seats, securing a second consecutive majority government. The Liberals increased their seat count to 83, while the NDP won 43 seats, its best-ever performance at the time.

Results and Aftermath

The 1988 election was a decisive victory for Brian Mulroney and the Progressive Conservatives, giving them a strong mandate to implement the Free Trade Agreement, which came into effect on January 1, 1989. The election result was seen as an endorsement of free trade, with many Canadians accepting Mulroney’s argument that the FTA would provide economic growth and stability.

For John Turner and the Liberals, the election was a disappointment, despite their strong campaign against free trade. Turner’s passionate defense of Canadian sovereignty had energized the Liberal base, but it was not enough to overcome Mulroney’s support. Turner would step down as Liberal leader in 1990, paving the way for Jean Chrétien to take over the party leadership.

The NDP’s strong showing in the election, with 43 seats, reflected the growing support for the party under Ed Broadbent’s leadership. However, the NDP remained the third party in Canadian politics, unable to challenge the dominance of the Liberals and Progressive Conservatives.

The 1988 election marked a turning point in Canadian politics, solidifying Canada’s commitment to free trade and signaling a shift towards economic globalization. The election also demonstrated the power of single-issue campaigns, with the FTA dominating the discourse and shaping the future of Canada’s economic policies for years to come.