2 Diefenbaker’s Canada: A Vision for Human Rights and Multiculturalism in the Sp (2/6) -- Canada and Speeches from the Throne

2 Diefenbaker’s Canada: A Vision for Human Rights and Multiculturalism in the Speeches from the Throne Rebecca Morris-Hurl Introduction Saskatchewan’s John G. Diefenbaker became Canada’s thirteenth Prime Minister with a Progressive Conservative minority government in June 1957, ending twenty-two consecutive years of Liberal leadership in Canada. The establishment was shocked. In the snap election called nine months later, in March, 1958, Diefenbaker won an unprecedented 53.6 percent of the popular vote and the largest percentage majority in the House of Commons to date with 208 of 265 seats.1 Throughout the federal campaign races of 1957 and the later campaign in 1958, Diefenbaker capitalized on his prairie roots to portray himself as a champion of the average Canadian willing to stand up to the Liberal “Ivory Tower Boys” who, he insisted, had grown arrogant and no longer served the best interests of Canadian citizens. His campaign touted a ‘New National Policy,’ and it served as a rallying cry to citizens across the country. Dedicated to delivering on his campaign rhetoric, Diefenbaker’s Speeches from the Throne solidified his vision for ‘One Canada’ outlining the priorities of his Conservative Party to create a modern nation and a prosperous future through membership in the Commonwealth, the development of the richness of Canada’s resources, and the promotion of an united, un-hyphenated citizenry. This chapter will focus on a selection of Diefenbaker’s Speeches from the Throne and his subsequent Leaders’ Day replies to provide a lens into Diefenbaker’s vision for an inclusive Canada, recognized internationally as a champion for human rights. The Speech from the Throne opens each new session of Parliament and is carefully crafted by the Prime Minister’s Office and delivered by the Governor General as Canada’s Head of State and the representative of the Crown. The speech outlines the goals and priorities of the government for the session and speaks to the legislation and particular policies the government intends to pursue to achieve these goals. Diefenbaker had the opportunity to pen a total of seven Throne Speeches as prime minister of Canada. For the purposes of this analysis, the speeches that bookend his six year tenure — the very first speech, delivered by Queen Elizabeth II, in October 1957, his second Throne Speech delivered just eight months later in May 1958, and his very last Throne Speech, delivered in September 1962.2 These speeches provide considerable insight into the vision of the populist Prime Minister and demonstrate his commitment to human rights and multiculturalism and his belief in the promise of Canada. Analysis of these speeches will also evaluate if Diefenbaker’s priorities shifted throughout his time as Prime Minister and, therefore, determine if his rhetoric was more than empty hyperbole. The Making of a Prairie Populist Since Confederation in 1867, those who have governed Canada have worked to realize a cohesive natio