Prime Ministers of Canada are the heads of government in Canada. They are elected by Members of Parliament (MPs) to lead the executive branch of the Canadian government. The Prime Minister holds significant executive powers, including setting government policy, leading Cabinet meetings, and representing Canada domestically and internationally.
The current Prime Minister of Canada is Justin Trudeau. He has been in office since November 4, 2015. He leads the Liberal Party and has focused on issues such as climate change, social justice, and economic growth during his tenure.
Table of Content
List of Prime Ministers of Canada
| S.N. | PM Name | Born-Dead | Term of Office | Party |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sir John A. Macdonald | 1815–1891 | 1867–1873, 1878–1891 | Conservative |
| 2 | Alexander Mackenzie | 1822–1892 | 1873–1878 | Liberal |
| 3 | Sir John Abbott | 1821–1893 | 1891–1892 | Conservative |
| 4 | Sir John Thompson | 1845–1894 | 1892–1894 | Conservative |
| 5 | Sir Mackenzie Bowell | 1823–1917 | 1894–1896 | Conservative |
| 6 | Sir Charles Tupper | 1821–1915 | 1896 | Conservative |
| 7 | Sir Wilfrid Laurier | 1841–1919 | 1896–1911 | Liberal |
| 8 | Sir Robert Borden | 1854–1937 | 1911–1920 | Conservative, Unionist |
| 9 | Arthur Meighen | 1874–1960 | 1920–1921, 1926 | Conservative, Liberal–Conservative |
| 10 | William Lyon Mackenzie King | 1874–1950 | 1921–1926, 1926–1930, 1935–1948 | Liberal |
| 11 | R.B. Bennett | 1870–1947 | 1930–1935 | Conservative |
| 12 | Louis St. Laurent | 1882–1973 | 1948–1957 | Liberal |
| 13 | John Diefenbaker | 1895–1979 | 1957–1963 | Progressive Conservative |
| 14 | Lester B. Pearson | 1897–1972 | 1963–1968 | Liberal |
| 15 | Pierre Trudeau | 1919–2000 | 1968–1979, 1980–1984 | Liberal |
| 16 | Joe Clark | 1939– | 1979–1980 | Progressive Conservative |
| 17 | John Turner | 1929–2020 | 1984 | Liberal |
| 18 | Brian Mulroney | 1939– | 1984–1993 | Progressive Conservative |
| 19 | Kim Campbell | 1947– | 1993 | Progressive Conservative |
| 20 | Jean Chrétien | 1934– | 1993–2003 | Liberal |
| 21 | Paul Martin | 1938– | 2003–2006 | Liberal |
| 22 | Stephen Harper | 1959– | 2006–2015 | Conservative |
| 23 | Justin Trudeau | 1971– | 2015–present | Liberal |
Current Prime Minister Of Canada – Justin Trudeau
Justin Trudeau is a Canadian politician who has been serving as the 23rd Prime Minister of Canada since 2015. Here’s a brief biography and some additional details about him:
- Birth: Justin Pierre James Trudeau was born on December 25, 1971, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He is the eldest son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and Margaret Trudeau.
- Education: Trudeau attended Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf, a prestigious French-language high school in Montreal. He later studied literature at McGill University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1994. He also studied education at the University of British Columbia and engineering at École Polytechnique de Montréal.
- Early Career: Before entering politics, Trudeau worked as a teacher in Vancouver and then pursued various roles in advocacy and public speaking.
- Political Career: Trudeau entered politics in 2008 when he was elected as the Member of Parliament for the riding of Papineau in Montreal, representing the Liberal Party of Canada. He served in opposition until 2015 when he led the Liberal Party to victory in the federal election, becoming Prime Minister.
- Prime Ministership: As Prime Minister, Trudeau has focused on progressive policies, including environmental protection, social justice, and multiculturalism. He has implemented policies such as the legalization of cannabis, carbon pricing, and increased immigration levels.
- Personal Life: Trudeau is married to Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, and they have three children together. He is known for his athleticism, having participated in various sports and charity events.
- Public Image: Trudeau’s leadership style and policies have garnered both praise and criticism. He is known for his charismatic personality, but his government has faced challenges, including controversies over ethics and governance.
| Address | Contact Details |
|---|---|
| Office of the Prime Minister | Phone: 613-992-4211 |
| 80 Wellington Street | Fax: 613-941-6900 |
| Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2, Canada | Email: justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca |
Longest Serving Prime Minister of Canada
The longest-serving Canadian Prime Minister in terms of total time in office is William Lyon Mackenzie King. Here’s a brief overview of his tenure:
-
William Lyon Mackenzie King:
- Served as Prime Minister for a total of 21 years and 154 days, making him the longest-serving Prime Minister in Canadian history.
- King was born on December 17, 1874, and he passed away on July 22, 1950.
- He served as Prime Minister in three separate terms: from December 29, 1921, to June 28, 1926; from September 25, 1926, to August 7, 1930; and from October 23, 1935, to November 15, 1948.
- As leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, King was known for his cautious approach to policy-making and his skill in managing diverse interests within the party and the country.
- During his tenure, King navigated Canada through significant events such as the Great Depression, World War II, and the post-war reconstruction period.
- His leadership and contributions to Canadian politics have left a lasting impact on the country’s history and development.
First Prime Minister of Canada
The first Prime Minister of Canada was Sir John A. Macdonald. Here’s an overview of his life and political career:
-
Sir John A. Macdonald:
- Born on January 11, 1815, in Glasgow, Scotland, Macdonald immigrated to Canada with his family at the age of five.
- He became a prominent lawyer in Kingston, Upper Canada (now Ontario), and entered politics in the Province of Canada (the precursor to modern-day Canada) in the 1840s.
- Macdonald played a key role in the Confederation of Canada in 1867, serving as one of the leading advocates for the union of British North American colonies into a single Dominion.
- Following Confederation, Macdonald became the first Prime Minister of Canada on July 1, 1867, and he served until November 5, 1873, and again from October 17, 1878, until his death on June 6, 1891.
- As Prime Minister, Macdonald’s government oversaw the early development of Canada, including the expansion of the transcontinental railway, the establishment of the North-West Mounted Police (predecessor to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police), and the negotiation of treaties with Indigenous peoples.
- Macdonald’s tenure was not without controversy, including his handling of the Pacific Scandal and his policies towards Indigenous peoples, including the implementation of the residential school system.
- Nevertheless, Macdonald is widely regarded as one of the founding fathers of Canada and is celebrated for his role in shaping the early foundations of the country. His legacy remains significant in Canadian history and politics.
Prime Ministers of Canada – Interestig Facts
Here are some interesting facts about the Canadian Prime ministers:
- Pierre Trudeau’s Rosemary’s Baby Connection: Pierre Trudeau, while serving as Prime Minister, dated actress Margot Kidder, who later starred in the film “Rosemary’s Baby.” Trudeau’s office played a role in arranging a private screening of the movie for him and Kidder.
- Lester B. Pearson’s Role in Creating the UN Peacekeeping Force: Lester B. Pearson, Canada’s 14th Prime Minister, played a pivotal role in resolving the Suez Crisis and creating the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF). For his efforts, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957.
- William Lyon Mackenzie King’s Spiritualism: Mackenzie King, Canada’s longest-serving Prime Minister, was a firm believer in spiritualism. He held seances to communicate with his deceased mother and his beloved pet dogs for guidance on political matters.
- John Diefenbaker’s Scottish Ancestry: John Diefenbaker, Canada’s 13th Prime Minister, was proud of his Scottish ancestry. He often wore a Scottish kilt and adopted a Scottish terrier named “Happy” as his official mascot during his time in office.
- Sir John A. Macdonald’s Statue in Scotland: A bronze statue of Sir John A. Macdonald stands in Glasgow, Scotland, where he was born. The statue was erected in 1893 to honor Macdonald’s contributions to Canada and commemorate his Scottish heritage.
FAQs on Prime Ministers of Canada
How many prime ministers has Canada had in total?
Canada has had 23 prime ministers in total since Confederation in 1867.
Who was the longest prime minister of Canada?
The longest-serving prime minister of Canada was William Lyon Mackenzie King, who served for a total of 21 years and 154 days over three non-consecutive terms.
Who was Canada’s first prime minister?
Canada’s first prime minister was Sir John A. Macdonald, who served from 1867 to 1873 and again from 1878 to 1891.
Who was the 20th prime minister of Canada?
The 20th prime minister of Canada was Jean Chrétien, who served from 1993 to 2003.
Who were the last 5 prime ministers of Canada?
The last 5 prime ministers of Canada were:
Justin Trudeau (2015-present)
Stephen Harper (2006-2015)
Paul Martin (2003-2006)
Jean Chrétien (1993-2003)
Kim Campbell (1993)
Who is the longest-serving Canadian prime minister?
The longest-serving Canadian prime minister is William Lyon Mackenzie King, who served for a total of 21 years and 154 days over three non-consecutive terms.
How many prime ministers has Canada had?
Canada has had 23 prime ministers in total since Confederation in 1867.
What is the salary of the prime minister of Canada?
As of 2021, the salary of the prime minister of Canada is $365,200 CAD per year.
Who was the prime minister of Canada before Trudeau?
Before Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada was Stephen Harper, who served from 2006 to 2015.
How many terms can a prime minister serve?
There is no term limit for the prime minister of Canada. A prime minister can serve for as long as they maintain the confidence of the House of Commons and win elections.