Canadian federal election, 1874
The 3rd Canadian House elections (English 3rd Canadian General Election, French 3e élection fédérale canadienne ) took place on 22 January 1874. Were elected 206 Members of the Canadian House of Commons (English House of Commons, French Chambre des Communes ). The Liberals were benefiting from the previous Conservative minority government and took over for the first time even the government.
The choice
The Conservative government of Sir John A. Macdonald, who did not have an absolute majority, was overthrown on November 5, 1873 after flying up the Pacific scandal by a vote of no confidence. She had been accused of corruption in connection with the construction of the transcontinental railway, the Canadian Pacific Railway. Two days later, led by Alexander Mackenzie Liberals formed a transitional government. Mackenzie immediately called a general election. The Conservatives failed to distance themselves from the scandal, and suffered a crushing defeat.
For the first time the people of Prince Edward Iceland were eligible to vote. For the first time the principle of the secret election was used. The turnout was 69.6 %.
Results
Overall result
Acclamations
55 deputies were elected by acclamation:
- Ontario: 1 Liberal - Conservative, 13 Liberal
- Quebec: 10 Conservatives, four Liberal - Conservative, 15 Liberal
- New Brunswick: one Conservative, three Liberal, 1 independent Liberal
- Nova Scotia: 5 Liberal
- Prince Edward Iceland: 2 Liberal