Canadian federal election, 1878

Canadian federal election, 1878

← 1874 September 17, 1878 1882 →
← outgoing members
206 seats in the 4th Canadian Parliament 104 seats needed for a majority
First party Second party   Leader John A. Macdonald Alexander Mackenzie Party Conservative Liberal Leader since 1867 1873 Leader's seat Victoria Lambton Last election 65 seats, 30.1% 129 seats, 39.5% Seats won 134 63 Seat change 69 66 Popular vote 229,151 180,074 Percentage 42.1% 33.1% Swing 12.0% 6.4%
Prime Minister before election Alexander Mackenzie Liberal Prime Minister-designate John A. Macdonald Conservative

Alexander Mackenzie
Liberal

John A. Macdonald
Conservative

The Canadian federal election of 1878 was held on September 17 to elect members of the Canadian House of Commons of the 4th Parliament of Canada. It resulted in the end of Prime Minister Alexander Mackenzie's Liberal government after only one term in office. Canada suffered an economic depression during Mackenzie's term, and his party was punished by the voters for it. The Liberals' policy of free trade also hurt their support with the business establishment in Toronto and Montreal.

Sir John A. Macdonald and his Conservative/Liberal-Conservative party was returned to office after having been defeated five years before amidst scandals over the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Voter turn-out: 69.1%

Note:

* Party did not nominate candidates in the previous election.

Acclamations

The following Members of Parliament were elected by acclamation;

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