January 16, 1958
Ottawa Coliseum
Chair: Duncan MacTavish (outgoing party president)
Louis St. Laurent planned to step down following the party's loss in the 1957 election and the end of 22 years of Liberal government, replaced by a Progressive Conservative minority.
THE CONTENDERS
With many ministers defeated in the election, there were two main hopefuls: former health minister Paul Martin, 54, and Lester B. Pearson, 60, known for his Nobel Peace Prize and service as a diplomat and external affairs minister.
Pearson had the party establishment at his back. Martin sought rank-and-file appeal despite his underdog status.
Pearson had big support from Quebec and Toronto delegates. Martin compared his campaign to King’s 1919 victory: "There's no doubt about it. The rank and file are going to assert themselves, and show that Liberalism is of the grass." (Calgary Herald)
Observers thought Martin's only chance could come from a run by Calgary Mayor Don MacKay, who may have attracted some of Pearson’s western support. But MacKay withdrew two days before the convention.
THE CONVENTION
Pearson’s speech promised peace, prosperity, and employment: "Liberalism means reform and I always hope to be a reformer."
Against charges that he lacked practical political experience, he hyped his 30 years of public service and victory in four elections.
Martin pledged a strong fight against Diefenbaker and a focus on unemployment, poverty, and social justice: "We -- you and I -- can restore liberalism to its proper place in this country...We together will put on a battle the like of which has never been witnessed in this country of ours."
THE VOTE
Three chartered accountants oversaw 50 counters, with 38 scrutineers from the provincial wings.
Only one ballot was needed as Pearson’s victory was announced in front of 6,000 people. His nationally-televised speech called Liberals to ensure that "À nous la victoire" and said he would try to "convince the Canadian people that, already, they need us again to manage their affairs."
"The basic principles have been laid down in your resolutions," Pearson said. "Social security without socialism, welfare without regimentation. There are many things still to do in carrying further the application of these principles. But let us be careful not to weaken the principles themselves by yielding to every clamor for further government services which mean more government intervention -- which mean bigger government and bigger bureaucracy."
Martin moved that Pearson’s victory be made unanimous -- and both men would later point to their long relationship.
But a Montreal Gazette columnist wrote before the vote that: "The contest between Mr. Pearson and Mr. Martin is no longer marked by the spirit of friendly rivalry that is traditional in such affairs. Some harsh judgments have been exchanged by the two factions. And a note of bitterness has crept in which could have a lasting effect on the Liberal Party."
MORE:
- Pearson immediately demanded the resignation of Prime Minister John Diefenbaker, who decided to call an immediate election. He and the Progressive Conservatives won the biggest majority to date in Canadian history: 208 out of 265 seats. The Liberals were reduced to 48 MPs.
- Harold Henderson, a 50-year-old minister from Portage la Prairie, Man., received one vote -- but not his own, since he wasn't a delegate.
- The Parliamentary Press Gallery later protested to the Liberals that MacTavish waited until the live TV broadcast began before announcing the results.
