Diefenbaker, John George

Diefenbaker, John George (b. 18 Sept. 1895, d. 16 Aug. 1979). Prime Minister of Canada 1957–63 Born at Neustadt (Ontario), he grew up in the North-West Territories and in Saskatchewan, where he completed a law degree after serving in World War I. He was admitted to the Saskatchewan Bar in 1919, and in 1924 opened a practice in Prince Albert. A distinguished lawyer by 1929, when he was appointed a King's Counsel, he had an unsuccessful political career until he became leader of the Saskatchewan Conservative Party, which failed to win a single seat in the 1938 election. In 1940, he was elected to the House of Commons, where he gained a reputation for his parliamentary skills.

Diefenbaker became leader of the Progressive Conservative Party in 1956, which he led to a surprise victory in 1957, later confirmed by a landslide election victory in 1958. He introduced the franchise to the native peoples, and legislated a Canadian Bill of Rights. He also sought to develop the northern areas of Canada. A strong believer in international organizations such as the UN, he was instrumental in forcing South Africa's withdrawal from the Commonwealth in 1961. Following the 1962 elections his government commanded only a minority. This was caused by uneasiness about the economy and his opposition to the deployment of US nuclear weapons on Canadian soil. Despite a formidable personal performance he narrowly lost the 1963 elections, and as leader of the opposition became a fierce and celebrated critic of Pearson's Liberal government. He was replaced as party leader in 1967, but remained in Parliament until his death.