1957 Canadian federal election
The 1957 Canadian election was held June 10, 1957 it saw twenty-two years of Liberal rule end in a surprise victory by the Progressive Conservatives under John Diefenbaker.
The Campaign
The Liberals had won election after election on programs of successful fiscal management and moderate and conciliatory policies. By the 1950s many were feeling that the party was arrogant and too close to business. Controversial debates, such as that over the Trans-Canada Pipeline had hurt the government. Western Canadians also felt alienated from the government dominated by Ontario and Quebec interests. Louis St. Laurent, nicknamed uncle Louis, was still popular, but many felt he had lost touch with ordinary Canadians.
The Tory party in 1956 had elected the fiery and charismatic Diefenbaker as their leader. Many people disliked him, and felt he had too little experience to be a strong challenger to the Liberals, but since it was felt there was little hope of defeating the Liberals in the next election many supported him as a caretaker leader. The media was also almost wholly dominated by the Liberals.
The Tory Campaign was based on Canadian nationalism and the need for a change. The Tories also embraced their Red Tory side pledging to out spend the Liberals on social programs. The Liberals were attacked as free marketers who would leave the Canadian population without an adequate safety net. One of the most ambitious elements of the Tory program was the "New Frontier Policy" of infrastructure development that would lead ot the populating of the north.
The Liberal campaign was far less ambitious supporting a stay-the-course message with moderate reforms and a continuation of competent administration. The economy was booming and the Liberals felt this was enough to see them reelected. The Liberals also had ammunition to use against Diefenbaker, he was a member of the Orange Lodge and had a history of making anti-Catholic statements
The Tories greatest asset soon turned out to be Diefenbaker, however. His ethnic background attracted a new group of supporters to the traditionally Anglo-Anglican Tory party. His charisma also soon had great success. This was the first Canadian election to be televised, and while only a minority of Canadians owned a television most got some opportunity to see the candidates they were voting for. Diefenbaker was viewed as honest a dedicated, while the 75 year old St. Laurent was felt to be distant and humourless.
The campaign was also the first in Canada to use modern political advertising techniques. Strategists like a young Dalton Camp and Allister Grosart ran a more tightly planned campaign than any in Canadian history. An important strategy was almost completely ignoring the province of Quebec, the strategists felt they had little chance there, a also believed they could win without the province.
The Results
In an era before widespread polling the results of the election came as a surprise to most Canadians, including most politicians. The Liberals won the popular vote, but lost the election as they piled up massive majorities in Quebec. In the west, Ontario, and the Maritimes the Tories gained enough seats to form a minority government. Noted Liberal ministers like C.D. Howe, the "Minister of Everything" lost their seats.
Many Canadians were overjoyed to see change and spontaneous celebrations occurred in many parts of the country. The CBC anchor covering the election famously lit a cigar in satisfaction with the result.
Effects
The Liberal defeat caused many in the Liberal leadership to resign, and be replaced by younger members. St. Laurent resigned and was replaced by Lester B. Pearson. The Tory minority government lasted for less than a year before Diefenbaker called another election and won the largest majority in Canadian history, including winning many seats in Quebec.
| Popular Vote | Seats | |
|---|---|---|
| PC | 39% | 112 |
| Liberals | ?% | 105 |
| CCF | ?% | 25 |
| Social Credit | ?% | 19 |
| Other | ?% | 4 |
74.1 percent of eligible voters voted.
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Preceded by: | Canadian federal elections |
Followed by: |