On June 9, 1997, Stanley Knowles died at the age of 88. A Member of Parliament for nearly 40 years under the banner of the NDP, Stanley Knowles was one of the most influential politicians in the history of the House of Commons. Our archives witness his great contribution to the creation of the country’s social programs.
” With today’s death of the former Winnipeg member, Manitoba, one of those who made the most effort to ensure that governments assume their responsibilities to the poorest, towards the weakest, has undoubtedly disappeared. “
In this report broadcast on the day of his death in Newscast, Journalist Daniel L’Heureux recalled the memory of this exemplary man. He is one of the most respected parliamentarians in Ottawa. He spent 50 years there, 38 of them as Member of Parliament for the Winnipeg North Center.
In 1942, within the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), Stanley Knowles was first elected to Parliament in Ottawa.
The one that is called over and over again conscience of parliament has promoted many causes of social justice in the country. During his career, he was elected 13 times. He campaigns in factories. Close to his heart is the plight of the workers, particularly the CN and CP railway companies.
On July 1, 1996, Canada Day, Punto presents a lengthy report on the career of Stanley Knowles. Journalist Marc-André Masson talks to some parliamentarians and historian Susan Mann.
Stanley Knowles was born in California in 1908 to Canadian parents. At 18, he traveled to Canada and settled in Manitoba, where members of his family run a farm. He became pastor of the United Church.
The death of his mother, who was killed by tuberculosis in 1919, and the dismissal of his father during the economic crisis in the 1930s were events that marked him forever.
After the crisis in the 1930s, he decided to leave religion and enter politics. Throughout his life, he fought to improve the condition of the poorest. Many see him as the father of the welfare state and Canadian social programs. To Stanley Knowles we owe part of the establishment of a pension scheme for old age.
After World War II, helping veterans and their family members became a constant concern for him.
In 1958, after the conservative wave that brought John Diefenbaker to power, Stanley Knowles joined forces with other leftists to form the New Democratic Party, which replaced the CCF.
” It will be a party with enough strength to be one of the main parties and someday the government will be formed. The ideas are the same. The goal is to develop a party that can apply them. “
In Parliament, Stanley Knowles is the master of methods, giving him power despite his status as the third opposition. As Gildas Molgat, President of the Senate, mentioned in the report, Stanley Knowles knows how to use the technique to spark debate. Former NDP leader Ed Broadbent agrees.
” Even ministers from other parties consulted with him about the parliamentary process. He’s the Canadian expert and that’s an advantage for New Democrats when it comes to tactics in the House of Commons. “
In October 1981 he suffered a cardiovascular accident from which he could no longer fully recover. However, he resumed his post on March 31, 1982, but he had to resign himself to leave again at the end of 1983. Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau named him as an honorary officer of the House of Commons, a unique post in recognition. in his contribution to the political and social life of Canada.
Stanley Knowles also received the Order of Canada in 1985.
” Stanley Knowles never had the ambition to be the leader of the NDP, but he needs to be recognized, because without politicians like him, we are really going crazy. “
Radio Canada
Source: Radio-Canada
