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1993 Federal Election in Canada
Canada was in the midst of an economic recession
in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and the Conservative
government was taking most of the blame. Public hostility
towards the Conservatives, and Brian Mulroney in particular,
was on the rise. Failed constitutional initiatives like
the Meech Lake Accord had exacerbated regional differences,
and the emergence of regionally-based parties such as the
Reform and Bloc Quebecois illustrated this. An unprecedented
defeat of the Conservative government left them with only
2 seats, and no base of support anywhere in Canada. This
would mark the beginning of a period of Liberal domination
which no other party could counter.
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- Conservative policies came under attack as the Canadian
economy started to decline. The Conservatives were
also losing credibility thanks to failed constitutional
initiatives.
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- The emergence of two new regionally-based parties
brought the total number of federal political players
to five.
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- Women played a prominent role in this election, leading
2 of the 5 major parties.
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- The economic recession meant that unemployment, jobs,
and the deficit played a dominant role in election
debates. Failed attempts at constitutional reform
also reflected on party policies.
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- All five leaders participated in the leaders’ debate
and
cross-country tours, making this a lively campaign.
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- An unprecedented loss of seats for the Conservatives
resulted in a huge Liberal majority and significant
gains for regionally-based parties.
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- The strength of Chrétien’s victory would
lead to over a decade of Liberal domination, which
would fuel the desire to “unite
the right.”
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- Learn more about the 1993 election and the politicians
involved
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