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1911 Federal Election in Canada
Since 1896, Wilfrid Laurier’s Liberals had
been in power. Laurier had been successful at bridging French
and English interests to promote a common purpose, while including
the West with policies such as railway building. However, the
debate over the Canadian Navy and reciprocity with the United
States would once again divide French and English Canada. Laurier
was faced with deserters in his own party, and struggled to maintain
a base of support in Quebec, a traditionally Liberal province.
The 1911 election would be the first single-issue free trade
election fought in Canada, and Canadian voters rejected reciprocity.
This decision would stand until the next free-trade election
in 1988. Nationalist forces in Quebec emerged onto the federal
political scene, which would be the beginning of a long tradition
of third-party politics in Quebec.
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- The creation of a Canadian navy and ongoing debate about reciprocity
with the USA would result in Liberal deserters and set the stage
for the election.
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- Canada’s traditional two parties would start to form
outside alliances to gain more voter support.
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- Wilfrid Laurier’s French background and Robert Borden’s
English background would be important factors in
this election.
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- The naval question would take centre stage in Quebec, while
reciprocity dominated debates throughout the rest of Canada.
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- Borden formed an alliance with Quebec politicians, and accused
Laurier of selling out Canada ’s interests
to the USA. Meanwhile, Laurier focused on the economic
benefits of his policies.
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- Voters felt betrayed by Laurier, and put an end to his Liberal
dynasty by electing Borden with a majority government.
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- Canadian voters reject free trade, a decision that will
stand for decades. Nationalist forces emerge in Quebec,
which marked the emergence of a third player on the federal
political scene.
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- Learn more about the 1911 election and the politicians involved.
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