A plebiscite on conscription was held in Canada on 27 April 1942.^[1] It was held in response to the Conservative Party lobbying Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King (Liberal leader) to introduce compulsory overseas military service, the government having previously promised not to introduce same in 1940.^[2] The result was 66% voting in favour,^[2] with Quebec being the only province to have a majority voting against. Quebec's strong majority against the comitment's release prompted the prime minister not to pursue the issue until later events prompted a change in position.

Quick Facts Results, Choice ...

1942 Canadian conscription plebiscite

April 27, 1942 (1942-04-27)
Are you in favour of releasing the Government from any obligations arising out of any past commitments restricting the methods of raising men for military service?
Advertisement appearing in The Canadian Champion (Milton, Ontario, April 23, 1942) soliciting votes for the 1942 Canadian conscription plebiscite.
Results
Choice Votes  % Yes 2,945,514 65.62% No 1,543,006 34.38% Valid votes 4,488,520 96.76% Invalid or blank votes 150,327 3.24% Total votes 4,638,847 100.00% Registered voters/turnout 6,502,234 71.34%
Results by province and territory Yes   60–69%   70–79%   80–89% No   70–79%

Close

The following question appeared on the ballot:

English

Are you in favour of releasing the Government from any obligations arising out of any past commitments restricting the methods of raising men for military service?

French

:

Consentez-vous à libérer le gouvernement de toute obligation résultant d'engagements antérieurs restreignant les méthodes de mobilisation pour le service militaire?