Canadian federal election, 1988

The Canadian federal election of 1988 was held November 21, 1988, to elect members of the Canadian House of Commons. It was an election largely fought on a single issue: the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement.

Related Topics:
November 21 - 1988 - Canadian House of Commons - Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement

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Incumbent Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, leader of the Progressive Conservative Party, had signed the agreement. The Liberal Party, led by John Napier Turner, was opposed to the agreement, as was the New Democratic Party led by Ed Broadbent. Among the minor parties, the Christian Heritage Party, running its first election candidates, supported the concept of free trade but had serious reservations about the negotiated agreement.

Related Topics:
Prime Minister - Brian Mulroney - Progressive Conservative Party - Liberal Party - John Napier Turner - New Democratic Party - Ed Broadbent - Christian Heritage Party

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The Conservatives went into the election suffering from a number of scandals. Despite winning a large majority only four years before, they looked vulnerable at the outset. Infighting among the Liberals and vote splitting between the NDP and Liberals led to a second Conservative majority government, however.

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The Liberals returned as the official opposition, but the lackluster campaign cost Turner his job as Liberal leader. He was replaced by Jean Chrétien in 1990.

Related Topics:
Official opposition - Jean Chrétien - 1990

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The 1988 election was the most successful for the New Democratic Party. The party dominated in British Columbia and Saskatchewan, and also won significant support in Ontario.

Related Topics:
British Columbia - Saskatchewan - Ontario

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The election was the last for Canada's Social Credit movement: the party won no seats, and insignificant portion of the popular vote.

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The newly founded Reform Party also contested the election, but was considered little more than a fringe group, and did not win any seats.

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In all, 76% of eligible voters cast a ballot.

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