1963-1965-1968 - Lester B Pearson The ensuing election saw a return to minority form, but Lester B. Pearson was able to work with the New Democratic Party and the Social Credit Party, and had to do so again after the 1965 election. He was able to rule in minority government for five years, bringing in reform concerning immigration, unemployment insurance, health care that have shaped Canada's social programmes since. It is seen as one of the greatest governments in Canadian History and Pearson is recognised as one of the best Prime Ministers, and he never ruled with a majority government.
1972-1974 - Pierre Elliott Trudeau After winning a majority thanks to Trudeaumania, things began to cool off and Trudeau lost his popularity. He won only two more seats than the Progressive Conservatives and led by only half a point in the popular vote. With help from the Lewis New Democrats, Trudeau was able to keep the house stable for two years before calling an election. He was reelected with a majority.
1979-1980 -Joseph Clark The last minority government until what seems will be now. Clark was short by five seats. Clark was unable to form a working relationship with the New Democratic Party (26 seats) or with the Social Credit (6). Clark believed he could rule as a majority but was defeated in a motion of non-confidence brought in by New Democratic Member Bob Rae. An election was called and Trudeau was elected with a majority government.
Minority governments have generally been stable under Liberal led governments and short under Conservative governments, because it seems that through history the Liberals have been able to find allies to the Left, in the Progressive Party and the CCF/NDP or to the Right in the Social Credit while the Conservatives have tried to do it alone or to try to prepare for the next election.
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