Canadian federal election, 1940

The 19th Canadian General Election (English 19th Canadian General Election, French 19e élection fédérale canadienne ) took place on 26 March 1940. Were elected 245 Members of the Canadian House of Commons (English House of Commons, French Chambre des Communes ). Compared to the elections four and a half years earlier, only minor changes occurred.

The choice

The elections were overshadowed by the Second World War, allowing for greater support of the incumbent Liberal government of William Lyon Mackenzie King had the consequence. In response, the Conservative Party of opposition leader Robert James Manion (national government ) entered under the name " National Government" in the elections to be able to form with the intention of following the example of the Unionist coalition of 1917 an all-party government ( individual candidates called themselves but continues as a Conservative ). The attempt failed; the Conservatives won not add a single seat, and Manion himself defeated in his own constituency.

Prime Minister King promised to the question of conscription does not arise, since enough volunteers have reported. This promise was important, as the French-speaking province of Quebec, the stronghold of the Liberal Party, unlike the rest of the country was predominantly against the introduction of conscription. Nationwide than half of the voters decided settled for the Liberals.

After the elections, the Liberal government of the English-speaking provinces came from the military and the population more and more under pressure. In order to free themselves from the campaign promises regarding the conscription, letting King 1942, a referendum to perform (see Conscription Crisis of 1944).

The turnout was 69.9 %.

Results

Overall result

Result by provinces and territories

Comments

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