Tommy Douglas

Federal NDP leader

When the CCF allied with the Canadian Labour Congress to form the New Democratic Party (NDP) in 1961, Douglas defeated Hazen Argue at the first NDP leadership convention and became the new party's first leader. Douglas resigned from provincial politics and sought election to the House of Commons in the riding of Regina, Saskatchewan in 1962, but was defeated. He was later elected in a by-election in the riding of Burnaby–Coquitlam, British Columbia.

Related Topics:
Canadian Labour Congress - New Democratic Party - 1961 - Hazen Argue - NDP leadership convention - Riding - Regina, Saskatchewan - 1962 - By-election - Burnaby–Coquitlam - British Columbia

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Re-elected to that riding in the 1963 and 1965 elections, Douglas lost it in the 1968 federal election. He won a seat again in a 1968 by-election in the riding of Nanaimo–Cowichan–The Islands, British Columbia.

Related Topics:
1963 - 1965 elections - 1968 federal election - Nanaimo–Cowichan–The Islands

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While the NDP did better in elections than its predecessor, the party did not experience the breakthrough it had hoped for. Despite this, Douglas was greatly respected by party members and Canadians at large as the party wielded considerable influence during the minority governments of Lester Pearson. In 1970, Douglas and the NDP took a controversial but principled stand against the implementation of the War Measures Act during the October Crisis.

Related Topics:
1970 - War Measures Act - October Crisis

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