Canadian Govt. Orders Election

Northern Advocate, 26 January 1940, Page 6

Canadian Govt. Orders Election

(Received 2 p m ) OTTAWA, January 25. The Govei'nor-General (Lord Tweedsmuir), opening Parliament, announced an immediate general election. The Government felt it should have a direct and unquestioned mandate. The date of the election was not indicated, but the speech failed to outline any proposed legislation, suggesting the session would be devoted to essentials, and dissolution would follow within a few weeks. Before End of March. The unexpected announcement came at the end of Lord Tweedsmuir’s 300word speech, and then the Prime Minister (Mr MacKenzie King) cold the House of Commons the election could be over before the end of March. A great spring offensive was possible on the Western Front, and it was desirable the election . should he over beforehand. He added that he had hoped the regular session would pass essential legislation, but this was now unlikely because of lack of unity. Hepburn Attack. He stressed the fact that, the attack by the Premier of Ontario (Mr Hepburn) has changed the situation. He declared that since the outbreak of war several Ministers had devoted every ounce of their energies to the prosecution of the war, although in an unspectacular fashion, being conscious of the gravity of their responsibilities.

The Canadian Parliament has been dissolved.

This was a sequel to an announcement by the Governor-General (Lord Tweedsmuir). when opening. Parliament. that an immediate general election would be held.