John George Diefenbaker

Dief the Chief

“I've lived history. I've made history, and I know I'll have my

place in history. That's not egoism."

Early Life

• Born September 18th 1895 in Neustadt Ontario.

• Eight years old, diagnosed with Tuberculosis.

• August 15th , 1903 moved to the prairies.

• Sold Newspapers as a child.• Graduated from University

of Saskatchewan.• "Everyone is against me -

except the people!"

Rise to Power• 1916, left to fight in WWI.• Returned and became a

lawyer.• Very passionate about

human rights.• Saved 18 men from the

death penalty.• 1934, decided to run in

federal election.• 1936, voted leader of

Conservative Party.• "Freedom is the right to

be wrong, not the right to do wrong."

Accomplishments

• 1956-57 was leader of the Opposition.• 1957 won a minority government.• Appointed Fairclough and Gladstone.• Established Bill of Rights and Health

Care.• Minister of External Affairs.• Well versed in issues that plague us

today.• 1962, had a reduced minority.• 1973, won the election, seven years

later tragically died.• "I never think of memoirs. I'm still

making history."

Impact on Canada• Immense impact on

Canadian lives.• Joined East and West Coast

as well as French and English.

• Introduced Canada to new markets

• Created countless bills and legislature

• Proud to be Canadian• "I am a Canadian, free to

speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind."