John George Diefenbaker

Giving stares like

this and having a

great last name

from 1895-1979

Early Years

• Graduated from University of Saskatchewan with a MA in Political Science and Economics

• Later earned an LL B and proceeded to set up his law practice in Wakaw

• His political ambitions did not begin very well

• Ran for mayor of Prince Albert in 1933, which also failed

Early Years

• Elected leader of the Conservative Party of Saskatchewan in 1936, but the party failed to win any seats in the 1938 election

• In 1940, he was able to win a seat in the Commons in the Opposition

Initial Accomplishments

• In 1956, John Diefenbaker was elected leader of the Progressive Conservative Party (the official opposition) after failing in 1942 and 1948

• After many years of failure he was ready to tear apart his competition

Rise to Power

Charisma • Diefenbaker was a very

charismatic and in-your-face campaigner the likes of which the Canadian Public had not seen before

• This allowed people to trust him when he brought up touchy issues

Pipeline Debate• Diefenbaker used his

charisma to make the public wary of trusting the Liberals

• Essentially dis-credited the Liberal party and was more than willing to step into power

Dief the Chief!

• A very clever nick-name indeed• His unique approach to politics was warmly

greeted by the farmers, store-owners and factory workers

• His theatrical conveying of messages was entertaining, which enticed the voter to listen and believe

“The Liberals are the flying saucers of politics. No one can make head nor tail of them and they never are seen twice in the same place.”

Prime Minister John George Diefenbaker in 1957Formed a Majority Government. Then in 1958, had the highest number of seats that the Progressive Conservatives had ever had thereby forming a majority government.

Success as PM

• Canadian Bill of Rights• Royal Commission on

Health Services

FOR FARMERS• Agricultural Rehabilitation

and Development Act helped many struggling farmers across Canada

• Also found a market for their wheat in China

THE CHIEF

• Diefenbaker was a very compassionate manExamples-Appointed first Native and first female cabinet

ministers-Always campaigned for human rights (outside of

Canada as well)-Would not support USA in its battle with Cuba-His statement in 1961 almost forced the

Commonwealth to withdraw from South Africa

Downfall

• The Chief’s biggest downfall was just how radical his policies were. He was member of the Progressive Conservative party, but his policies often went against its name, and even some of the other members

• These policies “alienated” the Progressive Conservatives

• People switched to other parties because they felt they did not know what to expect from this one

Opposition Once Again

• After he lost the 1963 election, placing his party in the opposition, he continued to decline

• Lost a leadership vote within his own party in 1967 to Robert Stanfield

• However he still represented his riding up until his death on August 16th, 1979

• He won his last election 3 months prior to his death

I’ve lived history. I’ve made history, and I know I’ll have

my place in history. That’s not egoism.

Impact• The Chief was perhaps the most persuasive and

charismatic Prime Minister that Canada has had. He was also very keen on the safety, rights and freedoms of those he had power over and even those who he did not. He attempted to aid 3rd world countries and reached out to non-white countries that needed help. He served people’s interests very well, mainly farmers and the common folk, which is what a good Prime Minister does, go with the majority and do what is best for the country. He influenced many and while John A. MacDonald was his hero, he may be the next Prime Minister’s.

Bibliography• http://www3.sympatico.ca/goweezer/canada/diefenbaker.htm• http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/2/4/h4-3331-e.html• http://www.politician-pictures.com/john-diefenbaker.jpg