CANADA HISTORY - Prime Ministers

Arthur Meighen


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Arthur Meighen, one of Canada’s most intellectually gifted yet politically unsuccessful leaders, remains a complex figure in the nation's political history. Despite serving as Prime Minister on two occasions, for a combined period of less than nine months, his political career spanned 34 years, marked by both remarkable achievements and devastating defeats. Meighen’s legacy is often overshadowed by his inability to retain lasting power, yet his influence during some of Canada's most pivotal moments in the early 20th century cannot be overlooked.

Born in rural Perth County, Ontario, on June 16, 1874, Arthur Meighen grew up in a family of modest means. His early life in the small farming community instilled in him a strong work ethic and a belief in self-reliance, values that would shape his political philosophy. After completing his early education in local schools, Meighen attended the University of Toronto, where he distinguished himself as a brilliant student, graduating with high honors. His academic success led him to pursue a career in law, and after completing his legal studies, he became a barrister in Toronto.

In 1908, Meighen entered the political arena, winning a seat in the House of Commons as the Conservative Member of Parliament for Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. His entry into federal politics marked the beginning of a long and tumultuous career. Meighen quickly gained a reputation as a sharp, articulate speaker with a keen legal mind. His rise within the Conservative Party was rapid, and he soon became one of Prime Minister Sir Robert Borden’s most trusted advisors during the turbulent years of the First World War and its aftermath.

Meighen held several key cabinet positions during his time as Borden’s right-hand man, including Solicitor General, Secretary of State, and Minister of Mines and Interior. These roles gave him valuable experience in government administration and policy-making, particularly during a time of national crisis. He played a crucial role in shaping Canada’s war policies, including the controversial decision to implement conscription in 1917, a move that deeply divided the country, especially in Quebec. Despite the political fallout from the conscription crisis, Meighen’s reputation as a tough, decisive leader only grew, and he emerged as Borden’s likely successor.

When Borden resigned as Prime Minister in July 1920, Meighen was chosen to succeed him, becoming Canada’s ninth Prime Minister. His first term in office, however, was brief and fraught with challenges. Canada was emerging from the aftermath of the war, and the country was grappling with economic instability, labor unrest, and the rising political influence of new parties such as the Progressives. Meighen’s leadership style, marked by his sharp intellect and uncompromising stance on key issues, made him a polarizing figure. He was respected for his integrity and principles but struggled to connect with the broader electorate, particularly outside his conservative base.

In the December 1921 federal election, Meighen’s Conservative Party was soundly defeated by the Liberals under William Lyon Mackenzie King, and Meighen himself lost his seat in Portage la Prairie, a riding he had represented since 1908. However, his political career did not end there. In 1922, Meighen won a seat in a by-election in Grenville, Quebec, and returned to the House of Commons, determined to rebuild the Conservative Party and challenge Mackenzie King’s government.

The 1925 federal election saw a resurgence of Conservative support, but Mackenzie King was able to cling to power by forming an alliance with the Progressive Party. By 1926, however, King’s government was facing a vote of censure, and he requested that Governor General Lord Byng dissolve Parliament and call an election. In what would become one of the most famous constitutional crises in Canadian history, Byng refused King’s request and instead called on Meighen to form a government.

Meighen’s second term as Prime Minister, beginning in June 1926, was marked by his characteristic ingenuity and political courage, but it was also doomed from the start. In those days, when a member of Parliament entered the ministry, they were required to be re-elected in a by-election. This posed a serious problem for Meighen, as he and his cabinet colleagues would be unable to sit in the House of Commons until by-elections were held, leaving the government vulnerable. To circumvent this issue, Meighen devised a creative solution: he appointed a cabinet of acting ministers, known as the "Shadow Government," while he directed affairs from the gallery. However, this unorthodox approach did little to stabilize the fragile political situation. After just three months in office, Meighen’s government was defeated in a vote of confidence, and in the subsequent general election, he again lost his seat in Portage la Prairie. The Liberals, under Mackenzie King, returned to power, and Meighen retreated from public life.

Following his political defeat, Meighen retired to private life in Toronto, where he resumed his legal practice. Although he stepped back from the political spotlight, his contributions to Canadian public life were not forgotten. In 1932, R.B. Bennett, the Conservative Prime Minister, appointed Meighen to the Senate, where he served as government leader in the upper chamber. Meighen’s return to politics in this capacity allowed him to continue influencing policy, particularly during the economic hardships of the Great Depression.

In 1941, with the country embroiled in the Second World War, Meighen was lured out of the Senate and back into active politics. The Conservative Party, struggling to find strong leadership, turned to Meighen once again to lead them. Despite being reluctant to return, Meighen accepted the challenge, hoping to guide the party to victory during this critical time. In 1942, he sought a seat in a by-election in York South, Toronto, but in a shocking turn of events, he was defeated by a candidate from the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF). This defeat marked the final chapter of Meighen’s political career. Disillusioned, he retired permanently from politics and returned to his Toronto law practice, where he remained until his death.

Arthur Meighen passed away on August 5, 1960, and was buried in his hometown of St. Marys, Ontario. His political legacy is one of contradictions. Though he was widely regarded as one of the most brilliant and capable politicians of his era, his inability to maintain power and his repeated electoral defeats overshadowed his many contributions to Canadian public life. Meighen's sharp intellect, legal expertise, and unwavering principles earned him the respect of his peers, but his aloof and uncompromising nature often made it difficult for him to connect with voters. Today, Meighen is remembered as a man of great courage and vision, but also as a Prime Minister who was ultimately undone by the shifting tides of Canadian politics and his inability to navigate the complexities of electoral leadership.


Cite Article : Reference: www.canadahistory.com/sections/documents/documents.html

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