John Diefenbaker
| John Diefenbaker | |
|---|---|
| File:John Diefenbaker 1957.jpg John Diefenbaker in 1957 |
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| Prime Minister of Canada | |
| In office | June 21, 1957 – April 22, 1963 |
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Governor General | Vincent Massey; Georges Vanier |
| Preceded by | Louis St. Laurent |
| Succeeded by | Lester B. Pearson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 18, 1895 Neustadt, Ontario |
| Died | August 16, 1979 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Political party | Progressive Conservative |
John George Diefenbaker (September 18, 1895 – August 16, 1979) was the 13th Prime Minister of Canada, serving from 1957 to 1963. He was the first Progressive Conservative Prime Minister in over two decades and is remembered for his populist style, the Canadian Bill of Rights, and his ambitious but controversial leadership.
Early life and education
Diefenbaker was born in Neustadt, Ontario, and raised in Saskatchewan. He studied law at the University of Saskatchewan, where he later practiced as a criminal defense lawyer. His prairie upbringing shaped his populist political outlook.
Political career
Diefenbaker entered federal politics in 1940 as a Progressive Conservative MP. He built a reputation as a passionate speaker and a champion of ordinary Canadians. In 1956, he became leader of the Progressive Conservative Party.
Prime Ministership
Diefenbaker led the Progressive Conservatives to victory in 1957, ending 22 years of Liberal rule. His achievements included:
- Passing the Canadian Bill of Rights (1960), the first federal human rights law in Canada.
- Expanding the right to vote to First Nations peoples without requiring them to give up their status (1960).
- Supporting the admission of Newfoundland’s Joey Smallwood into federal politics.
- Promoting Canadian independence in foreign policy, including criticism of apartheid in South Africa.
However, his government struggled with economic challenges, internal divisions, and controversies over the cancellation of the Avro Arrow fighter jet program.
Later life and death
Diefenbaker continued as Opposition Leader after losing the 1963 election to Lester B. Pearson. He remained in Parliament until his death in 1979, making him one of Canada’s longest-serving MPs. He was buried at the Diefenbaker Centre in Saskatoon.
Legacy
Diefenbaker is remembered as a charismatic but polarizing figure. His Bill of Rights paved the way for the later Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. His defense of individual liberties and Canadian sovereignty left a lasting imprint on national politics.
See also
FAQs
Q: What was John Diefenbaker’s greatest legislative achievement? A: The Canadian Bill of Rights, passed in 1960.
Q: What major military project did Diefenbaker cancel? A: The Avro Arrow fighter jet program.
Q: When did Diefenbaker serve as Prime Minister? A: From June 21, 1957, to April 22, 1963.