When Joe Clark became prime minister at age 39

In just seven years, Joe Clark wentfrom being a rookie MP to party leader to prime minister of Canada.

• How Joe Clark became PC party leader at age 36

In May 1979, Clarkledthe Progressive Conservatives to the end of 16 years of Liberal rule. His party won136 seats to the Liberals' 114, theNDP's26 and six for Social Credit.

The election felldays before Clark celebrated his40thbirthday. And Clark becamethe youngest-ever prime minister in Canadian history.

When the election was called in March 1979, Clark told reporters he was "quite sure" his party would win a majority.

One month earlier, a Gallup poll put the Liberals and Progressive Conservatives in a dead heat with 39 and 38 per cent support, respectively.

• Joe Clark campaigns in Manitoba beset by flooding

Clark, who had been assured of his party's support at a leadership review in November 1977, largely focused on attacking the Liberals' economic record.

His campaign also aimed to convince Canadians of the need for change.

The weekend before the election, the parties were still virtually tied: the Liberals and Progressive Conservatives each had 37.5 per cent, with theNDPat 19 per cent.

The Liberals' support was much higher in Quebec, meaning the Tories were in the lead nationally.

The Progressive Conservatives won 57 of Ontario's 95 seats in the election. Their nationwide total of 136 was just seven seats shy of a majority.

The Man from High River, Alberta

46 years ago

Duration 2:51

Joe Clark battles with his wooden image, his comparative obscurity, and the doomsday scenario.