Home > Canadian federal election, 1988

The 1988 Canadian federal election was an election largely fought on a single issue: the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement.

Incumbent Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, leader of the Progressive Conservative Party, had signed the agreement. The Liberals under John Napier Turner were opposed to the agreement, as were the New Democrats under Ed Broadbent.

The Conservatives went into the election suffering from a number of scandals. Despite winning a large majority only four years before, they looked vulnerable at the outset. Infighting among the Liberals and vote splitting between the NDP and Liberals led to a second Conservative majority government, however.

The Liberals returned as the official opposition, but the lackluster campaign cost Turner his job as Liberal leader. He was replaced by Jean Chrétien in 1990.

The 1988 election was the most successful for the New Democratic Party. The party dominated in British Columbia and Saskatchewan, and also won significant support in Ontario.

The election was the last for Canada's Social CreditThe Social Credit Party of Canada was a political party in Canada. It was the federal wing of the Canadian social credit movement. A Western Protest Movement: 1935-1961 When first formed in 1935, Social Credit took many voters from the Progressive Party o movement: the party won no seats, and insignificant portion of the popular vote.

The newly founded Reform PartyFor the Reform Party that existed prior to Canadian Confederation see Reform Party (pre-Confederation Reform Party of Canada Founded October 31, 1987 Dissolved March 25, 2000 Into the Canadian Alliance Colours Green The Reform Party of Canada was a conser also contested the election, but was considered little more than a fringe group, and did not win any seats.

The election was held November 21November 21 is the 325th day of the year (326th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. There are 40 days remaining. Events 235 Anterus is elected Pope. 1783 In Paris, Jean-Francois Pilatre de Rozier and Francois Laurent, the marquis d'Arlandes, make th, 19881988 is a leap year starting on Friday (click on link for calendar). Events January January 2 Georgia celebrates its bicentennial statehood. January 9 Connecticut celebrates its bicentennial statehood. January 26 Australia celebrates its bicentennial day., and 76% of eligible voters cast a ballot.

1 Results

For a complete list of MPs elected in the 1988 election see 34th Canadian parliamentThe 34th Canadian parliament was in session from 1988 until 1993. The membership was set by in the 1988 Canadian election and it changed only somewhat due to resignations and by-elections until it was dissolved prior to the 1993 Canadian election. It was.

1.1 National

n.a.= not applicable - party was not recognized in the previous election.