Canadian federal election, 1957

The 23 Canadian General Election ( engl. 23rd Canadian General Election, French 23e élection fédérale canadienne ) took place on 10 June 1957. Were elected 265 Members of the Canadian House of Commons (English House of Commons, French Chambre des Communes ). A rather unexpected victory of the Progressive Conservative Party of John Diefenbaker ended 22 -year reign of the Liberal Party and led to the formation of a minority government.

The choice

The Liberal Party had consecutively won several elections, but was in the public increasingly arrogant and consumed. In addition, many Western Canadians felt excluded from the government and were convinced that the interests of the two largest provinces of Ontario and Quebec would have too much weight. 1956 elected the Progressive Conservative Party John Diefenbaker to their new chairman.

Diefenbakers election campaign emphasized the Canadian nationalism, but also promised more money for social programs. With an ambitious investment program in addition to the north of the country should be put to better use. This election campaign was the first in which television played a role. In the transmissions Diefenbaker left it a far more charismatic impression than the incumbent Prime Minister Louis Saint- Laurent.

Although the Liberals achieved something more votes, but the Progressive Conservatives won more seats. However, lacked 21 seats for an absolute majority, which is why Diefenbaker was forced to form a minority government and in some cases to seek the support of smaller parties. Many liberal ministers were voted out.

The turnout was 74.1 %.

Results

Overall result

Result by provinces and territories

Note

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