Canadian federal election, 1979
The 31st Canadian general election ( engl. 31st Canadian General Election, French 31e élection fédérale canadienne ) took place on 22 May 1979. Were elected 282 Members of the Canadian House of Commons (English House of Commons, French Chambre des Communes ). The elections ended with the defeat of the ruling Liberal Party of Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. Although led by Joe Clark Progressive Conservative Party was strongest force, but did not achieve enough seat gains in order to form a majority government can.
The choice
Due to the large budget deficits, high inflation and rising unemployment, the Liberal government had become increasingly unpopular. Although elections are held usually every four years, Pierre Trudeau hesitated the elections called by more than one year. He hoped thereby to regain some of the lost trust. This hope was not fulfilled: Although the Liberals achieved over 400,000 votes more than the Progressive Conservatives, but lost due to distortions of the electoral system 27 seats.
However, the opposition Progressive Conservatives could benefit only partially from the defeat of the Liberals. The voters did not seem to be willing, the young chairman Joe Clark express their full confidence. Especially bad cut from the opposition in the province of Quebec, where she was successful in only two constituencies. In contrast, the Liberals won only three seats in Western Canada. The New Democrats were able to recoup their losses from 1974 almost back. In contrast, the Social Credit Party sent only six MPs into Parliament; with its reference to the separatist Parti Québécois she pushed many traditional voters on the head.
Joe Clark's minority government lasted less than nine months. In December 1979, she was toppled during the budget debate by a vote of no confidence, as the Social Credit Party abstained. Already in February 1980 early elections were held.
The turnout was 75.7 %.