The coalition was created after the start of World War II, as a display of unity among the different parties in the legislature.

Premier John Bracken's Liberal-Progressives were the dominant force in government, while the Conservative Party under Errick Willis held a secondary position.

The smaller Co-operative Commonwealth Federation and Social Credit League were also included in the government, and had cabinet representation.

Its only Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), James Litterick, had been expelled from the legislature and had gone into hiding.

When the coalition was created, Independent MLA Lewis Stubbs was the only legislator who did not join the government side.

He claimed that a healthy opposition was necessary in a parliamentary democracy, and rejected offers to join the government.

Later, Social Credit MLA Salome Halldorson and Conservatives Huntly Ketchen and John Poole also crossed to the opposition.

The CCF agreed to limit its challenges against incumbent members, although this courtesy was not always reciprocated by other parties.

John Queen, the CCF Mayor of Winnipeg, lost the legislative seat he had held since 1920.

Five anti-coalition MLAs were elected - three dissident Conservatives (one of whom later rejoined the government), Independent Lewis Stubbs, and Bill Kardash.

The first ballot results for Winnipeg and results for all other constituencies are taken from an official Manitoba government publication entitled "Manitoba elections, 1920-1941", cross-referenced with the 1942 Canadian Parliamentary Guide and the "Historical Statement of Votes" section of the 2003 provincial election report.

Wallace C. Miller, 1945 Dwight Johnson and Beresford Richards were expelled from the CCF caucus in 1945.