St. Laurent and Postwar Prosperity (1948–1957)
- Louis St. Laurent led Canada during a time of great economic growth and political stability after World War II.
- He promoted modernization, expanding roads, airports, and communication networks to connect Canada’s regions.
- His government invested in major projects like the Trans-Canada Highway and St. Lawrence Seaway, which improved trade and transportation.
- St. Laurent expanded social welfare by increasing old-age pensions and unemployment insurance.
- He supported joining international organizations like NATO and the United Nations, giving Canada a stronger global role.
- His leadership marked a period of national confidence and unity, though Quebec nationalism began quietly growing.
Definition
Modernization
- The process of updating technology, industry, and infrastructure to meet new economic and social needs.
The St. Lawrence Seaway (1954–1959)
Background and Causes
- After World War II, Canada wanted to grow its economy by improving trade and transportation. The St. Lawrence River, which connects the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, was seen as the key to expanding international shipping.
- For decades, Canada and the United States had discussed building a waterway deep enough for large ocean ships, but disagreements over funding and control delayed the project.
- By the 1950s, rapid industrial growth and increased trade made the project a national priority. Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent’s government decided to move forward, seeing it as a way to modernize the economy and strengthen relations with the U.S.
- Construction officially began in 1954 as a joint project between the two countries. The goal was to create a new route for ships carrying raw materials, manufactured goods, and grain between the Atlantic Ocean and central Canada.
Construction and Development
- The project was massive, stretching about 600 kilometers from Montreal to Lake Ontario. It included building locks, canals, and dams to allow ocean ships to travel safely through the Great Lakes system.
- Thousands of workers were employed on both sides of the border, and several towns were relocated to make room for the new waterway.
- The construction also created the Moses-Saunders Power Dam, which produced hydroelectric power shared between Canada and the U.S.
- When it opened in 1959, Queen Elizabeth II and U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower attended the inauguration, symbolizing the success of Canada-U.S. cooperation.
Impact and Legacy
- The Seaway became one of Canada’s greatest engineering achievements and a symbol of modernization and progress.
- It boosted international trade, allowing ships from around the world to reach inland cities like Montreal, Toronto, and even Chicago.
- The project also encouraged the growth of industries in central Canada by lowering shipping costs and improving access to markets.
- However, it raised concerns about American influence in Canadian trade and the environment, as parts of the river ecosystem were permanently changed.
- Despite criticism, the Seaway strengthened Canada’s economy, improved its global connections, and remains one of the most important trade routes in North America today.
Diefenbaker and National Identity (1957–1963)
- John Diefenbaker, a Progressive Conservative, promised to represent “the average Canadian.”
- He passed the Canadian Bill of Rights (1960), the first federal law protecting freedom and equality.
- Promoted “One Canada”, trying to bridge the gap between English and French Canadians.
- Introduced reforms to help Indigenous peoples and immigrants gain greater recognition and opportunity.
- Faced economic troubles, including inflation and unemployment, which weakened his popularity.
- Clashed with the U.S. over nuclear weapons and foreign policy, showing a more independent Canadian stance.
Definition
Sovereignty
- Sovereignty is the supreme authority within a state, granting it the power to govern itself without interference from external forces.
Pearson and Trudeau: Social Reform and Political Change (1963–1984)
Lester B. Pearson (1963–1968)
- Focused on national unity and social welfare expansion.
