In 1965 John Diefenbaker (Prime Minister from June 21 1957 to April 22 1963) recorded a long playing disc titled “I Am A Canadian.
“I am a Canadian, a free Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship God in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.”
John Diefenbaker, full name John George Diefenbaker, was a Canadian politician who served as the 13th Prime Minister of Canada from 1957 to 1963. He was born on September 18, 1895, in Neustadt, Ontario, and died on August 16, 1979.
Diefenbaker’s achievements and political legacy can be summarized as follows:
- Progressive Conservative Party Leader: Diefenbaker became the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada in 1956. Under his leadership, the party won a landslide victory in the 1957 federal election, ending 22 years of Liberal Party rule.
- Bill of Rights: Diefenbaker’s most notable achievement was the introduction of the Canadian Bill of Rights in 1960. This legislation aimed to protect individual rights and freedoms, including freedom of speech, religion, and association. Although the bill was not constitutionally entrenched, it laid the groundwork for future human rights protections in Canada.
- Northern Development: Diefenbaker emphasized the development of Canada’s northern regions. His government implemented the “Roads to Resources” program, which aimed to improve transportation infrastructure in northern areas, opening up economic opportunities and promoting sovereignty in the region.
- Expansion of Social Programs: Diefenbaker’s government expanded social programs, including pensions and healthcare. He introduced the Old Age Security program, which provided income support for senior citizens, and the Hospital Insurance and Diagnostic Services Act, which laid the foundation for universal healthcare in Canada.
- National Flag: Diefenbaker advocated for a distinctive Canadian flag, differentiating Canada from its colonial ties to Britain. Although he failed to implement a new flag during his tenure, his efforts led to the eventual adoption of the Canadian flag, commonly known as the Maple Leaf flag, in 1965.
- Agricultural Policies: Diefenbaker implemented policies to support Canadian farmers, including the Agricultural Rehabilitation and Development Act. He aimed to protect farmers’ incomes and modernize agricultural practices to ensure food security for the nation.
Diefenbaker’s political legacy is complex and debated. While he achieved significant milestones during his time as Prime Minister, his government faced criticism for economic stagnation, policy inconsistencies, and internal divisions within his party. Some view him as a champion of individual rights and a defender of the North, while others criticize his inability to deliver on certain promises or manage the country’s economic challenges effectively. Overall, Diefenbaker’s legacy is often remembered as a mix of accomplishments and missed opportunities, leaving a lasting impact on Canadian politics.
