John Turner
| John Turner | |
|---|---|
| File:John Turner 1984.jpg John Turner in 1984 |
|
| Prime Minister of Canada | |
| In office | June 30, 1984 – September 17, 1984 |
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Governor General | Jeanne Sauvé |
| Preceded by | Pierre Elliott Trudeau |
| Succeeded by | Brian Mulroney |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 7, 1929 Richmond, Surrey, England |
| Died | September 19, 2020 Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Political party | Liberal |
John Napier Wyndham Turner (June 7, 1929 – September 19, 2020) was the 17th Prime Minister of Canada, serving from June to September 1984. His brief tenure makes him one of the shortest-serving Prime Ministers in Canadian history. Turner also had a long career as a cabinet minister and leader of the Liberal Party.
Early life and education
Turner was born in Richmond, England, and moved to Canada with his mother after his father’s death. He studied at the University of British Columbia, where he was a track star, and later at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. He also studied law at the Université de Paris and became a successful lawyer.
Political career
Turner entered Parliament in 1962 as a Liberal. He served in several key cabinet roles under Pierre Elliott Trudeau, including Minister of Justice and Minister of Finance. In 1975, he resigned from cabinet and returned to private law practice, only to re-enter politics later.
Prime Ministership
Turner succeeded Pierre Trudeau as Liberal Party leader and Prime Minister in June 1984. However:
- His government lasted only 79 days before being defeated in the September 1984 federal election.
- His campaign was damaged by controversies, including his decision to appoint Trudeau’s patronage list.
- The Progressive Conservatives under Brian Mulroney won a landslide victory.
Later life and death
Turner served as Leader of the Opposition until 1990, when he resigned as Liberal leader. He remained active in legal, business, and charitable work until his death in 2020 at the age of 91.
Legacy
Turner is remembered for his long service in public life, his charisma, and his athleticism. Though his time as Prime Minister was short, his earlier cabinet career and leadership in the Liberal Party left an impact on Canadian politics.
See also
FAQs
Q: How long did John Turner serve as Prime Minister? A: Just 79 days in 1984.
Q: What roles did Turner hold before becoming Prime Minister? A: Minister of Justice and Minister of Finance under Pierre Elliott Trudeau.
Q: When did John Turner die? A: September 19, 2020, in Toronto, at the age of 91.