January 25, 2008 Learn how the 1911 federal election changed the nature of Canadian politics forever. Telling Times Facts Wilfred Laurier’s liberals were defeated in September 1911. It ended 15 years of liberal domination in Canada. Reciprocity became the defining issue of the 1911 election campaign. Eight months before the election Laurier had already negotiated a free trade agreement with the United States. Initially Canadians embraced the idea. The 1911 federal election was one of the most emotionally charged election campaign in history. Opponents of free trade portrayed supporters as disloyal and treasonous. This election is often compared to the 1988 federal election which was also largely fought on the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement. Ironically the positions of the two parties were reversed: the Liberals fought against the Tories' free trade proposal. During the 1911 campaign Laurier remarked, "' I am branded in...