On This Day in Canada's Political History: Ontario Premier David Peterson Calls an Early Election

  • National Newswatch

As has been noted in recent years by commentators such as my friend Steve Paikin from TVO, former Ontario Premier David Peterson's decision to call an early election on this date in 1990, was far from the mistake some still claim it was. He was riding high in the polls, had led a progressive and ground-breaking government in Canada's largest province in since 1985, and, had played a stellar and pan-Canadian role – in the manner of Ontario Premiers before him like John Robarts and William Davis – as Canada attempted to renew its constitution between 1987 and 1990. Premier Peterson put nation above party in June 1990 when he generously offered to give up some of Ontario's Senate seats to help ensure the passage of the Meech Lake Accord.