Canadian federal election, 1962
The 25th Canadian General Election (English 25th Canadian General Election, French 25e élection fédérale canadienne ) took place on 18 June 1962. Were elected 265 Members of the Canadian House of Commons (English House of Commons, French Chambre des Communes ). Although the previously ruling Progressive Conservative Party of Prime Minister John Diefenbaker suffered heavy losses, but remained a minority government continues in power.
The choice
The progressive- conservative government of Prime Minister John Diefenbaker was able to reign in the last four years with the largest majority that had ever won a party in the Canadian House of Commons. Before the elections, however, the unemployment rate was high and the value of the Canadian dollar low. There were controversial decisions such as the demolition of the development of the fighter aircraft Avro Canada CF - 105. But could not the Liberal Party of Lester Pearson opposition leaders to replace the government, but won enough seats added to force Diefenbaker to form a minority government.
For the first time to the House of Commons elections went to the New Democratic Party, which was born from the alliance of the old Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF ) and the Canadian Labour Congress and was led by Tommy Douglas. She could strongly increased compared to the result of the CCF, but the predicted breakthrough in opinion polls did not succeed. After a four year hiatus, the Social Credit Party was represented in the House of Commons. However, almost all their MPs were elected in Quebec, while the traditional stronghold of western Canada was poorly represented.
The turnout was 79.0 %. First time, all Aborigines were entitled to vote.