The Canadian federal election of 1911 was held on September 21 to elect members of the Canadian House of Commons of the 12th Parliament of Canada. The central issue was Liberal support for a proposed treaty with the U.S that would have lowered tariffs. The Conservatives denounced it because it threatened to weaken ties with Britain and submerge the Canadian economy—and Canadian identity—into its big neighbour. The Conservatives won and Robert Borden became prime minister. The idea of a Canadian Navy was also an issue. The election ended 15 years of government by the Liberal Party of Wilfrid Laurier.