Federal election of 1891

In 1891 Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald fought his last election. He defended the National Policy and the British connection, and stressed the importance of resisting American influence in Canada. The Conservatives ran against a Liberal Party rejuvenated by its new leader, Wilfrid Laurier. The election proved to be a contest between two competing visions of Canada’s future. The Liberals gained seats, but lost the election. The gruelling campaign enervated Macdonald, and he suffered the first of two strokes soon after parliament returned. He died on 6 June 1891.