To what extent were the domestic policies of St Laurent successful? 

Candidates will consider the merits or otherwise of the argument that the domestic policies of Canadian Prime Minister Louis St Laurent (1948–1957) were successful. Consideration of his programmes in respect to the growth of the Canadian economy, relationship with the provinces, efficiency of administration, and extension of needed services to Canadian citizens are issues that may be gauged to determine the “extent of success”. St Laurent was relatively successful in equalizing national revenues to poorer provinces, extending old-age pensions and assistance to the indigent, enacting hospital insurance and increasing funding for the arts. He also initiated the Trans-Canadian Highway and the St Lawrence Seaway (with the US). However, late in his term he was increasingly criticized for running an arrogant and authoritarian regime, particularly in the use of cloture to stop debate and advance the Trans-Canadian pipeline.