The 1878 Canadian federal election was held on September 17, 1878, to elect members of the 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 voters for it. The Liberals' policy of free trade also hurt their support with the business establishment in Toronto and Montreal.

Quick Facts 206 seats in the House of Commons 104 seats needed for a majority, Turnout ...

1878 Canadian federal election

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206 seats in the House of Commons 104 seats needed for a majority
Turnout	69.1%[1] (0.5pp)
First party Second party   Leader John A. Macdonald Alexander Mackenzie Party Conservative Liberal Leader since 1867 1873 Leader's seat Victoria[lower-alpha 1] Lambton Last election 65 seats, 30.1% 129 seats, 39.5% Seats won 134 63 Seat change 69 66 Popular vote 229,191 180,074 Percentage 42.06% 33.05% Swing 11.96pp 6.45pp
1878 Canadian electoral map
The Canadian Parliament after the 1878 election
Prime Minister before election Alexander Mackenzie Liberal Prime Minister after election John A. Macdonald Conservative

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Sir John A. Macdonald and his Conservative Party were returned to power after having been defeated four years before amidst scandals over the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Note:

* Party did not nominate candidates in the previous election.

Acclamations

The following Members of Parliament were elected by acclamation;

• British Columbia: 1 Conservative, 1 Liberal-Conservative
• Manitoba: 2 Conservatives, 1 Liberal-Conservative
• Quebec: 1 Conservative, 2 Liberal-Conservatives, 1 Liberal
• New Brunswick: 1 Liberal, 1 Independent

• Argyle, Ray (2004). Turning Points: The Campaigns that Changed Canada 2004 and Before. Toronto: White Knight Publications. ISBN 978-0-9734186-6-8.