A Timeline of Canada’s Elections: Key Dates & Milestones

Canada’s federal elections have evolved over more than 150 years, shaping the nation’s political landscape. Here’s a simple timeline of key dates and milestones in Canada’s election history.

1. 1867 – First Federal Election

• Canada’s first federal election took place shortly after Confederation.

• Sir John A. Macdonald became Canada’s first Prime Minister.

2. 1874 – Introduction of Secret Ballot

• The Dominion Elections Act introduced the secret ballot, making voting private.

3. 1918 – Women Gain the Right to Vote

• Most Canadian women won the right to vote in federal elections.

4. 1920 – Creation of Elections Canada

• Elections Canada was established to independently oversee federal elections.

5. 1921 – First Woman Elected to Parliament

• Agnes Macphail became Canada’s first female MP.

6. 1968 – First Televised Leaders’ Debate

• Changed how voters engaged with elections, bringing leaders into living rooms.

7. 1970 – Voting Age Lowered to 18

• The voting age was reduced from 21 to 18 years old.

8. 2015 – Longest Modern Election Campaign

• Lasted 78 days, ending with Justin Trudeau’s Liberal majority win.

9. 2025 – Canada’s Most Watched Election Yet?

• With trade wars, rising costs, and major political shifts, this election is shaping up to be one of Canada’s most pivotal in decades.

Final Thoughts:

Understanding the key milestones in Canada’s federal elections gives valuable context as Canadians head to the polls once again.