Mike Pearson, John Diefenbaker and my parents' old tv

The recent uproar in Ottawa got me thinking of my earliest memory of Canadian politics.



John Diefenbaker lost the 1963 federal election to Mike Pearson and the Liberals. The defeat was followed by another defeat in 1965 but in both cases the Liberals obtained minority governments.



My memory dates to just before the 1965 election when it was becoming clear the government would fall and an election be called.



I remember my parents sitting watching what was to me then incredibly boring television. Pearson was being interviewed by someone from CBC (we only got CBC) and saying there had to be an election. Diefenbaker then came on a started thundering, as he did, and I recall being a bit frightened by this angry man. He seemed even scarier in black and white.



Of course after the 1965 election Diefenbaker was forced out by Dalton Camp and the world moved on to Trudeau. But part of the reason Trudeau had his success was because after he left the Tory leadership, Diefenbaker persisted in fighting old battles in parliamentary circles, and was a thorn in the side of Stanfield.



Liberals would do well to remember that the Stanfield/Diefenbaker divide kept the Conservative out of office for years. A divided party cannot unite a nation.



It seems that the Conservatives are slowly (and gracelessly) backing away from causing and election. That said, an election will be soon and we need to be ready.