The 1878 Canadian federal election was held on September 17, 1878 to elect members of the House of Commons of the 4th Parliament of Canada. It resulted in the end of Prime Minister Alexander Mackenzie's Liberal government after only one term in office. Canada suffered an economic depression during Mackenzie's term, and his party was punished by voters for it. The Liberals' policy of free trade also hurt their support with the business establishment in Toronto and Montreal. Sir John A. Macdonald and his Conservative Party were returned to power after having been defeated four years before amidst scandals over the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway. National results Note: * Party did not nominate candidates in the previous election. Acclamations The following Members of Parliament were elected by acclamation; British Columbia: 1 Conservative, 1 Liberal-Conservative Manitoba: 2 Conservatives, 1 Liberal-Conservative Quebec: 1 Conservative, 2 Liberal-Conservatives, 1 Liberal New Brunswick: 1 Liberal, 1 Independent Results by province Further reading Notes References See also List of Canadian federal general elections 4th Canadian Parliament 1878 1878 elections in Canada September 1878 events