What Is 19th Legislative Assembly of Manitoba

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 19th Legislative Assembly of Manitoba was in session from 1932 to 1936, following the general election held on June 16, 1932. It was dominated by the Liberal-Progressive Party under Premier John Bracken.

Key Facts

The 19th Legislative Assembly convened on February 10, 1933, after the June 16, 1932, general election
John Bracken of the Liberal-Progressive Party served as Premier during this assembly
The assembly consisted of 55 elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs)
The Conservative Party held the official opposition with 15 seats
This legislative term ended with the 1936 general election on July 27, 1936

Overview

The 19th Legislative Assembly of Manitoba represented a pivotal term in the province’s political history, operating during a time of economic hardship due to the Great Depression. Elected in 1932, this assembly was responsible for enacting legislation during a period of significant social and financial strain across Canada.

Under the leadership of Premier John Bracken, the Liberal-Progressive government maintained a strong majority, shaping policy responses to widespread unemployment and declining agricultural prices. This assembly played a key role in advancing public infrastructure and modest relief measures aimed at stabilizing Manitoba’s struggling economy.

General Election Date: The assembly was formed after the provincial election held on June 16, 1932, which determined the composition of the legislature.
Number of Seats: The Legislative Assembly consisted of 55 seats, representing constituencies across Manitoba.
Governing Party: The Liberal-Progressive Party won a decisive majority, securing 30 out of 55 seats.
Official Opposition: The Conservative Party emerged as the second-largest party, winning 15 seats.
Third Parties: The Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) and independent candidates captured the remaining 10 seats.

How It Works

The structure and function of Manitoba’s Legislative Assembly followed standard Westminster parliamentary procedures, with the Lieutenant Governor representing the Crown and the elected members debating and passing legislation.

Term: The 19th Assembly served from its first sitting on February 10, 1933, until dissolution prior to the 1936 election. Its full term lasted approximately three and a half years.
Session Frequency: The assembly convened in multiple sessions, with key debates occurring in 1933, 1934, and 1935, reflecting ongoing legislative activity.
Legislative Process: Bills were introduced, debated, and voted on in the assembly chamber, with a focus on economic relief and public works during this term.
Executive Council: The Premier and cabinet, known as the Executive Council, were drawn from elected MLAs and held responsibility for policy implementation.
Speaker of the House: The assembly elected a Speaker to preside over debates and ensure adherence to parliamentary rules and decorum.
Public Access: Proceedings were open to the public and press, promoting transparency in government decision-making during a critical historical period.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of party representation and performance in the 19th Legislative Assembly versus previous and subsequent assemblies.

Legislative Assembly	Years Active	Governing Party	Seats Held	Opposition Party
17th Assembly	1922–1927	Progressive Party	28 of 52	Conservative Party
18th Assembly	1927–1932	Liberal-Progressive	27 of 55	Conservative Party
19th Assembly	1932–1936	Liberal-Progressive	30 of 55	Conservative Party
20th Assembly	1936–1941	Liberal-Progressive	23 of 55	CCF
21st Assembly	1941–1945	Coalition Government	34 of 55	CCF

The 19th Assembly marked a peak in Liberal-Progressive dominance before the rise of the CCF in later years. Its legislative priorities reflected Depression-era challenges, setting precedents for future social and economic policies in Manitoba.

Why It Matters

The 19th Legislative Assembly is historically significant for shaping Manitoba’s response to one of the most difficult economic periods in the 20th century. Its decisions influenced public policy, infrastructure development, and the evolution of political parties in the province.

Policy Innovation: The assembly passed early measures for rural electrification and agricultural support under Bracken’s technocratic leadership.
Economic Context: Legislators grappled with unemployment rates exceeding 25% during the Great Depression, influencing relief program design.
Political Shift: The growing presence of the CCF signaled a shift toward social democratic ideals in Manitoba politics.
Governance Model: Bracken’s coalition-style governance later inspired the province’s formal coalition government during World War II.
Public Works: The assembly approved funding for roads and public buildings, helping create jobs and stimulate local economies.
Historical Legacy: This term helped solidify the Liberal-Progressive model of pragmatic, non-partisan administration in Manitoba.

Understanding the 19th Legislative Assembly provides insight into how provincial governments adapt during national crises and how political landscapes evolve under pressure.