John George
Diefenbaker
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-yourface 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!
“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.”
• 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
Prime Minister John George Diefenbaker in 1957
Formed 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
FOR FARMERS
• Canadian Bill of Rights
• Royal Commission on
Health Services
• 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 man
Examples
-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
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