Style, Vision and Symbols of Post-World War II Canada Ms. Whitfield CHC2D1

Diefenbaker and Pearson

Diefenbaker vs. Pearson ~Prime Ministers with different visions and plans for Canada Conservative PM from 1957-1963 Committed to unhyphenated Canadianism-the belief that all Canadians were equal regardless of heritage Believed in preserving Canada’s British connections and standing up to the USA Championed human rights-Introduced the Canadian Bill of Rights. Liberal PM, 1963-1968 Won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in the Suez Crisis in 1957 Pearson and his Liberals appealed to younger, urban voters, especially in Central Canada. His vision of Canada was based on two founding peoples: French and English. Believed that Canadians should sever their British connections and that Canada needed an identity that would be meaningful to all Canadians.

Diefenbaker Pearson First PM to include a woman in his Cabinet and to appoint an Aboriginal senator. In 1960, gave Canada’s status Indians living on reserves the right to vote in federal elections. Beliefs made him popular, but also created problems for French Canadians who saw their culture as distinct. Won the 1963 election. Responsible for modernizing Canada. His government introduced a trial abolition of capital punishment and easier divorce laws. Remembered for introducing Canada’s flag in 1965.

Pierre Elliot Trudeau and his vision for Canada He was a French Canadian who was also a strong federalist. Appealed to many young Canadians. Trudeau was relaxed and witty. He drove a flashy sports car and was a “hip” dresser. A bachelor until 1971, he dated celebrities, went to New York nightclubs, hung out with the rich and famous, and eventually became an international celebrity himself. He delighted in joking with reporters. Crowds of admirers swarmed him at his public appearances. Young people responded to him as though he were a rock star, and“Trudeaumania” gripped the nation.

He succeeded Lester Pearson as prime minister in 1968 (after Pearson resigned from the Liberal Party. Trudeau came to power just as radical separatists were becoming increasingly violent. Believed Canada should be: a “just society” for all Canadians. Believed that the government had a duty to protect the rights and freedoms of people and to foster their economic and social well-being. He also supported individual freedom and thought that governments should not interfere with personal liberties.

Choosing appropriate Canadian symbols-The Great Flag Debate Mackenzie King had first proposed the idea of Canada getting its own flag. From the 1920s-1940s, Canada flew the Red Ensign (a red flag with a small union jack-the British flag in one corner, and the coat of arms of Canada in the middle.

When discussing the creation of a new flag, many veterans rejected any idea that didn’t include the union jack French Canadians didn’t want a symbol of British colonialism

When Pearson defeated Diefenbaker in 1963, he promised he would settle the flag debate within 2 years. He invited Canadians to submit designs Diefenbaker, when the issue was raised in July 1964, demanded that the designs include symbols that honoured Canada’s “founding races” and the veterans who fought and died for Canada in the war for Britain. Pearson wanted a design that Canadians could identify with.

Diefenbaker’s thoughts on the flag

Canadian Patriotic Association leaflet “This is our Canadian Flag” Designed to encourage Canadians to keep the flag that they had, the red ensign

Pearson’s thoughts on the flag

Submitting suggestions and the selection of the single maple leaf 5900 design ideas are proposed 15 member parliamentary committee with Liberal minister John Matheson examined designs, consulted experts and discussed the option Design by George Stanley with a single maple leaf with red bars was recommended The maple leaf was arguably a single symbol (Iike the eagle in the USA), and red and white were Canada’s colours Flag was chosen by parliamentary vote and approval by the Queen Elizabeth II and first flown February 15, 1965

http://www. huffingtonpost http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/10/16/canadian-flag-designs-photos_n_4109726.html

Other additions to Canadian culture and heritage CRTC-Canadian Radio and Television and Telecommunications Commission, 1969 Introduced requirements to increase Canadian content on the radio and television Canadian content-60% of TV shows and 30% of music on am radio Canadian fiction writing became more popular Creation of the Order of Canada, July 1, 1967-highest civilian honour-lifetime contribution and service to Canada

EXPO ‘67-Welcoming the World-Celebrating Canada’s 100th birthday! Katimavik-Canadian Pavillion

Expo ‘67 World’s Fair held in Montreal “Centennials belong to citizens” – Peter MacLeod Expo 67 is an evocative focal point for the phenomenon that was Canada’s centennial year – a year of unparalleled spirit, optimism, imagination, celebration and good works in this country.  A crucial element to that 1967 spirit in Canada is that it was first and foremost a citizen-driven thing.  Coast to coast, people encouraged each other to make their own Centennial plans, projects and creations – government and business played catch-up.