Political Growth and Changes Louis St Laurent Newfoundland

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 1950 s • 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 1. Continue to be a self governing dominion within the British Empire 2. Continue to be governed by special commission 3. Join Canada

Referendum Results • 1 st Referendum June 1948 only 41% favored Confederation, 44. 6% for self government, and 14% for special committee - No clear winner • 2 nd 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