DIFENBEYKER John George (Diefenbaker John George)

(1895-1979)
Born September 18, 1895 in Gray-County (Ontario). He graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1915, received a master's degree in 1916. During the First World War he served in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, after being wounded returned to Canada. In 1919 engaged in the practice of law in Saskatchewan. In 1937-1940 was the leader of the Conservative Party of Saskatchewan. In 1940 he was elected to the House of Commons on the Lake County Center for the (Saskatchewan), remained a member of parliament until 1953.
In December 1956 Difenbeyker became the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party. At the federal elections in June 1957, defeated candidate for the Liberals and became prime minister. In the elections of 31 March 1958 his party won 208 of 265 seats in parliament. He proved himself as an able and tough politician, his reputation among voters has remained impeccable until then, until the rise in unemployment and the deteriorating economic situation in 1960 is not brought to the forefront of political liberals and socialists. Difenbeykeru failed to solve the problem of distribution of funds between the federal budget and provincial budget, but it reared its creation - the Bill of Rights, received the approval of Parliament. In February 1963 Difenbeyker received a vote of no confidence because of the delaying implementation of commitments under the agreement in 1959 with the U.S. hosting of U.S. nuclear forces. Difenbeyker dissolved parliament in April general elections. Election campaign Difenbeykera was sustained in anti-American tone. The Conservatives lost their parliamentary majority, and Difenbeyker resigned as prime minister, but remained party leader. In 1965 he managed to defend its leading position in the party, in 1967 he resigned. He was elected Chancellor of the University of Saskatchewan in 1969. Died Difenbeyker in Ottawa on August 16, 1979.