Canadian federal election, 1968
The 1968 Canadian election of June 25, 1968 saw the Liberal Party of Canada win a majority government under new leader Pierre Trudeau.
Trudeau, who was a relative unknown until he was appointed with two others to the cabinet by Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson had won a surprise victory over Paul Martin Sr. in the parties leadership election earlier in 1968. The charismatic, intellectual, handsome, single, and fully bilingual Trudeau soon captured the hearts and minds of the nation and the period leading up to the election saw such intense feelings for him that it was dubbed "Trudeaumania." At public appearances he was confronted by screaming girls, something never before seen in Canadian politics.
The Liberal campaign was one dominated by Trudeau's personality. The substance of the campaign was based upon the creation of a "just society" with expansion of social programs.
Running against the Liberals were the Progressive Conservatives under Robert Stanfield the party was still smarting from the nasty infighting that had lead to the ousting of leader John Diefenbaker. Stanfield was widely respected, but the public image of him was crystalized by a photo of him fumbling a football. He was viewed as being an honourable man, but perhaps not the one to make the big decisions. The Conservatives also ran into trouble with the Quebec issue. The conservatives had reversed their traditional policies and had embraced the idea of "deux nations" at the same time Trudeau stood forcefully for a Canada whole and indivisible.
On the left legendary socialist Tommy Douglas lead the NDP but the party had difficulty running against the left leaning Trudeau, who was himself a former supporter of the NDP.
The election saw the demise of the Social Credit Party, but the rise of the Ralliement des Créditistes in Quebec which united Quebec nationalists.
The results of the election were sealed when on the night before the election a riot broke out at the St. Jean Baptiste Day parade in Quebec with Trudeau in attendance. Sovereigntists yelled Trudeau au poteau and threw bottles and rocks. Trudeau, whose courage had been questioned by his lack of a military record, firmly stood his ground and did not flee from the violence despite the wishes of his escort. Images of Trudeau standing fast to the rioters were broadcast across the country and swung the election even further in the Liberals favour.
Results
The Liberals won a strong majority government, dominating the country, other than the west.
76% of the eligible population voted.
Referenced By
Canadian federal election | Canadian federal election results since 1867 | Canadian federal elections | List of Canadian federal election years | List of Canadian federal elections | List of Canadian general elections | Lists of Canadian general elections
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