Canadian federal election, 1896
The 8th Canadian House elections (English 8th Canadian General Election, French 8e élection fédérale canadienne ) took place on 23 June 1896. Were elected 213 Members of the Canadian House of Commons (English House of Commons, French Chambre des Communes ). Although the previously ruling conservatives achieved more votes than the Liberals, but won a total of fewer seats, as they lost in many constituencies crucial votes to factions. Wilfrid Laurier, Chairman of the Liberal, became the new head of government.
The choice
The ruling Conservative Party were disorganized since the death of Sir John A. Macdonald in 1891, with four co-chairs within five years. It was regarded as corrupt and wasteful. Were led the Conservatives and the Liberal - Conservative associated with them by Charles Tupper, the former Prime Minister of Nova Scotia. In February 1896 Tupper had introduced a bill to clarify the Manitoba school question, failed to filibuster an alliance of liberals and extreme Protestants under the leadership of Dalton McCarthy. Then called Tupper on April 24 elections from.
Tupper argued that the main theme of the campaign is not the conflict between English-speaking Protestants and French-speaking Catholics, but the future of the Canadian industry. He called on the Conservatives to unity. The Conservatives, however, were so at odds because of the Manitoba school question that Tupper was confronted at campaign events with a wave of criticism. There were several factions which competed with the Conservatives and decisive votes made them disputed in many electoral districts.
The Liberal Party was traditionally for radical change and free trade, but resigned in 1896 to much more conservative, so they could draw moderate voters to their side. The most important change was Wilfrid Laurier support introduced by Macdonald National Policy, a protectionist industrial policy which met with the powerful entrepreneurs in Montreal and Toronto for approval. Although the Conservatives with 46.5% achieved the most votes ( over 45% of liberals ), but they won only about half of the seats in the English-speaking parts of Canada, while the Liberals in Quebec City celebrated a landslide victory.
Although Laurier had clearly won the elections to Tupper initially refused to cede power. He took the view that Laurier could bring no working majority behind him. As Tupper tried to appoint ministers intervened Governor General Lord Aberdeen. He dismissed the current acting Prime Minister Laurier and commissioned to form a government. Tupper described this approach as unconstitutional.
The turnout was 62.9 %.
Results
Overall result
Acclamations
Several deputies were elected by acclamation, as they had no rival candidates:
- Ontario: 1 Patron of Industry
- Quebec: one Conservative, two Liberal