40 Facts About John Turner

Early Life and Education

John Turner, born on June 7, 1929, in Richmond, Surrey, England, had a fascinating early life that set the stage for his future achievements.

1. Turner was born to a family that immigrated to Canada in 1932.
2. He gained his early education in Ottawa, attending Ashbury College and St. Patrick's College for senior matriculation.
3. At 16, Turner enrolled at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in 1945.
4. He was a member of the UBC chapter of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity.
5. Turner excelled in track sprinting, holding the Canadian record for the men's 100-yard dash.
6. He qualified for the 1948 London Olympics but couldn't attend due to a car accident injury.

Academic Achievements and Rhodes Scholarship

Turner's academic journey took him across the globe, earning prestigious scholarships and degrees.

7. Turner was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship, allowing him to study at Magdalen College, University of Oxford.
8. He earned a BA in jurisprudence in 1951 and a BCL in 1952.
9. During his time at Oxford, he was classmates with future Australian Prime Ministers Malcolm Fraser and Bob Hawke.
10. Turner pursued doctoral studies at the University of Paris from 1952 to 1953.

Entry into Law and Politics

Turner's career in law and politics began in Montreal, where his reputation quickly grew.

11. Turner began his law career with the firm of Stikeman Elliott in Montreal, Quebec.
12. He was elected as Member of Parliament for St. Lawrence—St. George in 1962.
13. Turner was re-elected in every election until the riding's dissolution in 1968.
14. Prime Minister Lester Pearson recruited Turner as a Liberal candidate in Montreal.
15. Turner entered the cabinet in a post-election shuffle by Pearson in December 1965.

Cabinet Roles and Achievements

Turner held several significant cabinet positions, contributing to major policy reforms.

16. He served in minor offices until becoming minister of consumer and corporate affairs in December 1967.
17. In 1968, Turner was appointed justice minister by Pierre Trudeau.
18. As justice minister, Turner sponsored Criminal Code reform and special legislation following the 1970 October Crisis.
19. He strengthened the rights of individual defendants on trial and brought greater efficiency to the justice system.
20. In 1972, Trudeau transferred Turner to the Department of Finance.
21. As finance minister, Turner implemented policies to reduce taxes and increase pensions.
22. Turner helped the government maintain a surplus in 1973 and 1974 despite the global recession.

Resignation and Hiatus from Politics

Turner took a break from politics, focusing on his law career and preparing for future leadership.

23. Turner resigned from his position as finance minister in 1975 due to the need to implement unpopular wage and price controls.
24. He worked as a corporate lawyer on Bay Street from 1976 to 1984.

Leadership Contests and Prime Ministership

Turner's journey to becoming Prime Minister was marked by perseverance and determination.

25. Turner contested the Liberal Party leadership in 1968 but lost to Pierre Trudeau.
26. He won the leadership contest in 1984, becoming the leader of the Liberal Party and Canada’s 17th Prime Minister on June 30, 1984.
27. Turner's term as prime minister lasted only 79 days, making it the second shortest in Canadian history.
28. He advised the governor general to dissolve Parliament soon after being sworn in and called a general election for September 4, 1984.

1984 Election and Opposition Leadership

Turner's leadership faced significant challenges, including a major electoral defeat.

29. The 1984 election saw the Liberal Party suffer a landslide defeat to Brian Mulroney's Progressive Conservatives.
30. Turner became the Leader of the Official Opposition after the election.
31. He led the Liberal Party as Leader of the Opposition from 1984 to 1990.
32. Turner campaigned against Mulroney's proposed free trade agreement with the United States in the 1988 election.
33. The Liberals saw a modest recovery in terms of seat numbers in the 1988 election.

Post-Political Career and Legacy

After leaving politics, Turner continued to contribute to public service and law.

34. Turner resigned as party leader in 1990 and did not seek re-election in 1993.
35. He returned to private practice as a lawyer at Miller Thomson LLP.
36. Turner was made a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1994 for his contributions to Canadian politics and law.
37. He was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for his service to Canada.
38. Turner participated in the television reality series Canada’s Next Great Prime Minister in 2008.
39. He was involved in international affairs, particularly during the 2004 Ukrainian presidential election runoff.
40. Turner passed away on September 18, 2020, and a state funeral was planned, though complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Legacy of Service and Dedication

John Turner's life was a blend of athletic prowess, legal expertise, and political service. From his early days as a record-holding sprinter to his tenure as Canada's 17th Prime Minister, Turner left an indelible mark on the nation's history. His contributions as Justice Minister and Finance Minister showcased his commitment to justice and economic stability. Despite a brief term as Prime Minister, his leadership during challenging times and his advocacy for public service remain noteworthy. Turner's post-political career continued to reflect his dedication to law and public service. His legacy, marked by significant reforms and a deep commitment to Canada, continues to inspire future generations. Whether in the courtroom, the House of Commons, or on the track, John Turner exemplified dedication, resilience, and a passion for serving his country.