Subsequent polls taken in the early period of the campaign showed the Progressive Conservatives with a commanding lead over the Liberals, in a manner more consistent with pre-election numbers.

They had the support of the legendary Tory political machine, bolstered by a group of American experts imported from the United States' Republican Party.

The extensive use of attack ads and wedge issues by the Tories was a new development in Canadian politics, and some commentators worried the election process was becoming Americanized.

Despite Hampton's efforts to reach out to labour, the NDP were substantially weakened as the major unions deserted them in favour of the Liberals, hoping to defeat the Tories by strategic voting.

The figures cited are the "Total Candidate's Campaign Expenses Subject to Limitation", and include transfers from constituency associations.