alternatehistory.com

June 26, 1968

Liberals gain majority of Canadian Parliament

Yesterday’s federal election saw a big win for Walter Gordon and the Liberal Party. The Liberal party gained a majority of Parliament, adding 26 seats, increasing its total number of seats to 154. The Progressive Conservatives under Robert Stanfield lost 22 seats in Parliament. The infighting seen in that party following the resignation of former leader John Diefenbaker, along with the party’s muddled stance on the Quebec issue no doubt contributed to their loss. The New Democratic Party neither lost nor gained seats, remaining at 22, but Ralliement creditiste nearly doubled the number of seats, increasing from 8 to 14. The Social Credit party lost all three of its seats. [1]

Gordon’s campaign slogan, “A Choice for Canada”, named after his best-selling book, appealed to many Canadians. His nationalistic message and strong opposition to the Vietnam War are believed by some to have helped lead his party to victory. Even in Quebec, where separatist sentiment is strong, the Liberals were able to maintain most of their seats.