Since the 1911 Canadian election the country had been governed by the Conservatives first under Robert Borden and then under Arthur Meighen. During the war they had united with the pro-conscription Liberals and formed a Union governmnet. A number of MPs, mostly Quebecers staid loyal to Wilfrid Laurier, however and maintained their independence. When Laurier died he was replacedas leader by the Ontarian Mackenzie King. After the 1919 budget a number of western unionist MPs, who were former Liberals, left the Union government in protest against the high tariff. Lead by Thomas Alexander Crerar this group became known as the Progressive Party. Also running were a number of Labour advocates, foremost amongst them J.S. Woodsworth of Winnipeg.
The election was the first one in which the majority of Canadian women were allowed to vote. Four women also ran for office, with Agnes MacPhail of the Progressive Party being elected the first female MP in Canada.
The election results saw parliament split three way. The King's Liberals ended up one seat short of a majority government they won almost all of Quebec as well as much of the Maritimes and a good portion of Ontario. The Progressive party won the second most seats dominating the west and winning almost a third of the seats in Ontario. The party only won seat east of Ontario, however. Despite winning the second most seats they declinned forming the official opposition. The Conservatives won only a few fewer seats than the Progressives and formed the official opposition. They also won a good section of Ontario and had some support in the Maritiems and British Columbia. Two Labour MPs were elected J.S. Woodsworht won his seat and William Irvine was elected in Calgary.
| Popular Vote | Seats | |
|---|---|---|
| Liberals | 40.7% | 116 |
| Progressives | 21.1% | 65 |
| Labour | 2.7% | 3 |
| Conservatives | 30.3% | 50 |
| Other | 5.2% | 1 |
|
Preceded by: 1917 Canadian election | Canadian federal elections |
Followed by: 1925 Canadian election |