Mackenzie King

Governor General Lord Byng refused Prime Minister Mackenzie King's request to dissolve Parliament, leading to a constitutional crisis. King resigned, but after a short Conservative government, he returned to power, establishing the principle of Canadian autonomy from Britain.

King's government supported the Statute of Westminster, which granted Canada and other dominions full legislative independence from the British Parliament. This was a key step in Canada's evolution from colony to sovereign nation.

King's government passed the Unemployment Insurance Act, creating Canada's first national social security program. This was a key part of the New Deal-style reforms during the Great Depression, providing a safety net for unemployed workers.

Facing pressure from the military, King reluctantly introduced conscription for overseas service in World War II, despite promising not to. The decision split his party and French Canada, but he managed to limit conscription to 16,000 men through a plebiscite.

Mackenzie King retired after 21 years and 154 days as Prime Minister, the longest tenure in Canadian history. He served through the Great Depression and World War II, shaping modern Canada's political and social landscape.