1911::Tariffs and Canada's Federal Election

A political cartoon depicting trade issues between Canada and the United States.

"1911::British Columbia's Conservatives Standing Guard at the International Border" Cartoonist: John Wilson Bengough (1851-1923)

Clip: Victoria Daily Times (1911) Victoria, British Columbia

Canada's 1911 federal election brought the question of American tariffs front and centre. Canadian Liberal leader, Prime Minister Sir Wilfred Laurier (Canada's five-dollar-bill guy), had announced that he had signed a reciprocity agreement with American Republican President William Taft and was seeking ratification from Parliament. Conservatives, fearing the agreement was the first step towards the Americanization of Canada, leading to free trade and, ultimately, the annexation of Canada, filibustered the deal, which forced Laurier to call an election to settle the issue.

"1911::Canada's Prime Minister Robert Borden"

Clip: Victoria Daily Times (1912)

Victoria, British Columbia

The country was divided. On one hand, Canadians believed they could benefit from strong economic ties with their neighbours south of the border. But on the other hand, those same ties could lead to American domination, forcing Canadians to conform to the American way. Ultimately, the 1911 fall election saw Conservative leader Robert Borden (Canada's 100-dollar-bill guy) end Laurier's 15-year-long reign. As Canada's eighth Prime Minister, Borden rejected reciprocity and eventually raised tariffs to fund Canada's war effort through World War I, a pivotal conflict in Canadian history.