The controversy of the naval question eventually contributed to the defeat of Laurier's government in the federal election of 1911. The new Conservative government, led by Prime Minister Sir Robert Borden, instead proposed building three battleships or cruisers, to be put at the service of the British Navy.
The naval issue ultimately led to Laurier's government's demise in the 1911 federal election. The subsequent Conservative government, headed by Prime Minister Sir Robert Borden, opted to construct either three battleships or cruisers for the British Navy.