Parliamentary facts from 1950s Canada

In 1953, in Moncton, then-external affairs minister Lester Pearson and Conservative MP John Diefenbaker each spoke at election rallies on the same night that a circus was performing. The Moncton Transcript rated their performances: 'Circus first, Diefenbaker second, Pearson third.' Nelson Wiseman digs into some highlights and lowlights in 1950s' federal politics.

Opinion
BY NELSON WISEMAN
February 23, 2023

Opinion | BY NELSON WISEMAN | February 23, 2023

FOLLOW THE HILL TIMES:

Want to make sure your whole office has the full Hill Times experience?

We have team plans available for companies, organizations, classes, Parliament Hill offices and more. Fill out this form and find out if your team is eligible for a discount.

More Opinion

Nelson Wiseman's most recent book, 1950s Canada: Politics and Public Affairs, devotes one section in every chapter to intergovernmental relations as these play a central role in Canadian politics.

Nelson Wiseman's most recent book, 1950s Canada: Politics and Public Affairs, devotes one section in every chapter to intergovernmental relations as these play a central role in Canadian politics.

In 1951, together with troops from the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, and India, Canadians participated in the Korean War as part of the UN force. Cold War anxiety pervaded public discourse; more than one-third of Canadians believed a Soviet attack on Canada was imminent, and more than half expected a world war within five years.

In 1951, together with troops from the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, and India, Canadians participated in the Korean War as part of the UN force. Cold War anxiety pervaded public discourse; more than one-third of Canadians believed a Soviet attack on Canada was imminent, and more than half expected a world war within five years.