Liberal Party of Canada leadership convention, 1968

The Liberal Party of Canada leadership convention of 1968 elected Pierre Elliott Trudeau as the new leader of the Liberal Party. Trudeau was the unexpected winner in what was one of the most important leadership conventions in the history of the Liberal Party of Canada. The Globe and Mail newspaper report the next day called it "the most chaotic, confusing, and emotionally draining convention in Canadian political history."{{ref|globe}}

Related Topics:
Pierre Elliott Trudeau - Leadership convention - Liberal Party of Canada - Globe and Mail

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The convention was held following the retirement of Lester B. Pearson, who was a much respected party leader and prime minister of Canada, but had failed to win a majority government in two attempts. Eight high profile cabinet ministers entered the race, but by the time the convention began on April 3 the charismatic Trudeau had emerged as the front runner. He was strongly opposed by the party's right wing, but this faction was divided between former Minister of Trade and Commerce Robert Winters and Minister of Transport Paul Hellyer, and failed to mount a united opposition. Trudeau won the leadership on the fourth ballot of the convention.

Related Topics:
Lester B. Pearson - Prime minister of Canada - Majority government - Cabinet minister - April 3 - Robert Winters - Paul Hellyer

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