1896 Canadian election - Definition and Overview

The Canadian federal election of 1896 was held on July 11, 1896. As a result of the election, the Liberal Party, led by Wilfrid Laurier, formed a majority government.

The election saw a great change in the Liberal Party. While the Liberals had traditionally been the party for radical change and free trade, in the 1896 election, they embraced a much more conservative platform. Because of this, many of the traditional supporters of the Tories moved to the Liberals. The most important change was Laurier's support of the National Policy, an important cause to the powerful business interests of Montreal and Toronto. The Liberal campaign was directed by an ex-Tory, J. Israel Tarte. Laurier was also a strong supporter of provincial rights, and a number of powerful Liberal premiers supported the campaign such as Oliver Mowat (of Ontario) and W.S. Fielding.

The Tories, since the death of John A. Macdonald in 1891, had been disorganized, going through four leaders in five years. The party was also viewed as corrupt and wasteful of public funds. Issues like the Manitoba Schools Question had cost the party support in both French and English Canada. In the 1896 election, the Tory Party was led by Sir Charles Tupper, a Father of Confederation and former Premier of Nova Scotia.

National results

Note:

"Before" refers to the standings in the House of Commons at the last election, and not to the standings at dissolution.

Acclamations:

The following Members of Parliament were elected by acclamation;

• Ontario: 1 Patron of Industry
• Quebec: 1 Conservative, 2 Liberals

Results by province