Political Growth and Changes Louis St Laurent Newfoundland Referendum Union Nationale John Diefenbaker

Louis St Laurent Liberal Prime Minister 1948–57 Succeeded King as PM when King retired King in power longer than any PM at 21 years Under St-Laurent’s leadership, Canada expanded social security. approved provincial equalization payments, Newfoundland joined Confederation, and Canada fought in the Korean War.

Media Influences Politics in the 1950s Media began to focus on personal life and appearance of politicians The Liberal Party worried that a shy, reserved, elderly man would not sell to the public Called Uncle Louis Father of 5 and grandfather of 12 and great with children Image of a kind relative

Laurent Expands Social Programs Laurent led a progressive government that expanded federal social welfare programs extended old-age pensions and family allowances enacted hospital insurance which began the road to universal healthcare***

Laurent Promotes Canadian Autonomy Appointed the first Canadian-born Governor General Made the Supreme Court the highest Court of Appeal rather then the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council Canadian parliament given the power to amend parts of its own constitution without British approval. This led to the British North America Act 1949

Newfoundland 1932 Until 1932, NFL had been an independent, self governing dominion within the British empire Government went bankrupt during the depression Democracy was suspended and a special commission was set up to govern NFL

Newfoundland 1948 Referendum In 1948 the people of NFL were given the opportunity to vote on their political future 3 options Continue to be a self governing dominion within the British Empire Continue to be governed by special commission Join Canada

Referendum Results March 31 1949 Newfoundland became part of Canada 1st Referendum June 1948 only 41% favored Confederation, 44.6% for self government, and 14% for special committee No clear winner 2nd Referendum July 1948 Commission option dropped 52 % voted for Confederation March 31 1949 Newfoundland became part of Canada

1954 Centralization Program 1946-1954 an estimated 49 communities were without government assistance Hard to reach/isolated fishing towns Centralization program encouraged people to move to more central locations where the gov could provide services Families paid an average of 301$ (2430$ today) to move

Not Successful! Unemployment climbed Many new industries failed and resettled workers were displaced from their traditional livelihoods in the fishery. Social impact of losing your home, traditions, and unique way of life

Union Nationale 1944-1959 Quebec was controlled by Premier Maurice Duplessis and the Union Nationale Duplessis was a nationalist who saw his society as a distinct nation, not a province Wanted to emphasize differences in Quebec from that of British society

Influencing Politics Duplessis introduced a new flag for Quebec bearing the French symbol Fleur de lys Fiercely opposed the growing powers of the federal government Roots of separation issues

Influencing Society Under Duplessis, the Roman Catholic Church was the main defender of Quebec culture priests told people to turn their backs on British society materialism Praised the old Quebec traditions of faith, farm, and family The church ran hospitals and schools, and decided curiculum

John Diefenbaker Progressive Conservative leader Witty and charismatic, TV helped him promote his image and popularity Populist leader One who spoke for and listened to the people Became Prime Minister 1957 1958 won the largest majority gov in history German background