When Prime Minister Borden of the Conservative Party proposed the formation of a national unity government in May, Liberal leader Sir Wilfrid Laurier had refused, due to the opposition of Quebec members of parliament. On October 13, Borden announced the formation of a union government of 12 Conservatives, 9 Liberals or Independents, and one Labour member, and called a December election hinging on the question of conscription. The Conservatives ran under the Unionist Party banner, co-opting members who left the Liberal caucus in support of conscription. Borden and the unionists were thus able to win the election.
