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Tom Monto

1921 Liberal leader King promised PR

Updated: Oct 8, 2021

It is said that 1921 was first time a federal party leader promised Proportional representation and it would also be the first time that such a person broke his promise.


Here's are some notes on the political situation in Canada in 1921.


Note that when King made promise of PR if elected in 1921, voters in Winnipeg were already voting in PR-STV election in provincial and city elections.

Also nine other municipalities were using PR-STV for their elections as well.

Some others had been using it but had already dropped it by late 1921.

Calgary had been using it for city elections since 1917 (and would continue to use it to 1960 and then again in 1971).

Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw and North Battleford, New Westminster, West Vancouver, South Vancouver and Vancouver were using it at time of 1921 federal election

Victoria, Nelson, Port Coquitlam and Mission had adopted STV and had dropped it by the end of 1921.

Edmonton, Lethbridge and four Winnipeg-area suburban municipalities adopted it after 1921.


Edmonton Bulletin, March 2, 1921

"PR for the farmer"

Toronto Mail and Empire applauding PR redistribution of the seats

Edmonton Bulletin said it will render prairie powerless.


Edmonton Bulletin, Nov. 22, 1921

"former president of the UFA exposes some of the dangers of Group Government"

Joshua Fletcher

much on whether UFA is or should be a political organization or not


Edmonton Bulletin, Nov. 28, 1921

According to Edmonton Bulletin, Progressive candidate D.M.Kennedy "spoke favourably toward PR and outlined the aim of the UFA to make each individual take a share in the responsibility of election campaigns." [Whatever that means]


Red Deer News, Nov. 30, 1921, p. 4

"An Appeal to Reason by Bennett" attacked Liberals and Crerar


Red Deer News, Nov. 30, 1921, p. 4

Red Deer UFA publicity committee (Mrs. Barritt) asked local candidates Day and McInnes:

Do you believe that representation in Parliament should be in proportion to the number of electors? if so, why are not PR or Alternative Vote in your platform?


Edmonton Bulletin, Dec. 3, 1921

Liberals and Labour

National Liberal convention of August 1919 passed many pro-labour resolutions

\including acceptance of the principle of PR


Edmonton Bulletin, Dec. 6, 1921

Edmonton Trades and Labour Council put forward questions to be asked of candidates in federal election

including

Will you initiate or support legislation for PR with group constituencies in federal elections?

[if candidates' views published, I have not found them]


election

[no mention of King and PR]


Wetaskiwin Times, Jan. 19, 1922 "Political situation"

"and in regard to PR, while we presume that Progressive to a man would favour it, it is by no means sure that even a majority of Liberals would vote for it."

any attempt at coalition government was stopped as Conservative element in Progressive movement was leery of strong ties to Liberal government. some fear that it would split the farmers movement and support for Liberal government also went against campaign statements that both old-line parties were puppets of big interests. so that is why there are no Progressives in the Liberal cabinet. fear that if Progressives deliberately allied themselves with either of the old-line parties, it might be the death of the Progressive movement.


UFA, July 15, 1922

H.E. Spencer (Battle River) described HofC in 1922

five groups all but the Progressives taking ironic positions on legislation

noted that Quebec members although from province described as Liberal is actually conservative opposing women's vote, PR , etc. applauded work of Quebec MP McMaster of Brome who brought in bill prohibiting overlapping directorships especially among cabinet ministers. before election Liberals had supported it but when in government after election Liberals voted against it. (the above mention of PR is only mention of PR in article)


Conservative opposition in favour of public railways because private ownership fell into such financial disaster Liberals abandon their traditional positions and show themselves in favour of patronage (now that they are in power) and private ownership of railways (as they seek to offload the un-profitable lines, which are a drain on the government coffers they are now responsible for).


Liberals brought in protectionist budget.

Progressives split with BC members being protectionist and Ontario members voting in favour of it not because they like it but because they thought it was step in right direction

Conservatives voted against it

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