alternatehistory.com

April 7, 1968

Gordon chosen as Liberal Party leader

Walter Gordon, the self-styled Canadian nationalist, has been chosen as leader of the Liberal Party to replace outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Lester Pearson. After a tumultuous convention, he received the support of a majority of delegates on the fourth ballot. Gordon, who is currently MP for the riding of Davenport in Ontario, [1] rose to prominence for his skepticism of American influence in Canada, his criticism of the Fermi settlement, and his controversial remarks against the Vietnam War, which led to his resignation from the Pearson Cabinet.

Gordon’s chief rival, Justice Minister Pierre E. Trudeau, made a good showing but failed to earn a majority of delegates, especially in his native Quebec. While Trudeau’s youthful charisma appealed to many in his party, his unconventional lifestyle and support of federalism made some Liberals uneasy. [2] Minister of Transportation Paul Hellyer [3] placed a strong third behind Gordon and Trudeau on the first ballot, but gradually lost support in subsequent rounds. MP Joe Greene and Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs John Turner also made a fair showing, but both men dropped out after the third round. The remaining candidates, Secretary of State for External Affairs Paul Martin, former Minister of Labour Allan MacEachen, Eric Kierans, and Harold Lloyd Henderson, failed to gain much support and all four men dropped out after the first round. [4]

Gordon’s anti-American stance has struck a chord with many Canadians, angry with the US over the fallout (both nuclear and political) from the Fermi accident. As leader, he says that he intends to send a message to the world that Canada will not be taken for granted. Gordon’s support of ceding certain powers to Quebec garnered the support of many Quebec delegates, making him one of the few Anglophone supporters of increased sovereignty for the largely French-speaking province. “I can see no reason why Quebec, subject to minority rights, should not have complete control over cultural matters and education; over health and welfare and other social security matters.” [5]

Gordon is expected to be sworn in as Prime Minister on April 20. The race now turns to the general election, which may be held as early as June, even though by law it may be held as late as November 1970. The reason for calling an early election is strong opposition from the Progressive Conservative Party, headed by Robert Stanfield, which is doing well in the polls. [6] The party is targeting vulnerable seats currently held by the Liberal Party in an effort to gain a majority in Parliament.