In 1984, during an official visit to New Brunswick by Queen Elizabeth II, Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers found marijuana in Hatfield's luggage.

[1] He was criticized by opposition parties and by the media for extravagant use of the government plane, which he used to travel to New York City where he visited night clubs, earning him the nickname "Disco Dick".

Hoping to boost his popularity enough to avoid defeat, Hatfield delayed calling the election as long as possible.

Taking full responsibility for the defeat, he announced his resignation the night of the election while being interviewed by media outside of his Hartland home.

Tory supporters had crowded into Hatfield's home, but abandoned him early in the evening as the returns began to come in.