“Diefenbaker’s domestic policies were successful in solving Canada’s problems.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that Diefenbaker’s domestic policies were successful in solving Canada’s problems. Results may extend beyond the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. As successes, candidates may refer to Diefenbaker’s “Vision speech” which provided a progressive plan for Canada’s future, extension of the vote to First Nation people, passage of the Canadian Bill of Rights, enactment of old age pensions and the opening of new markets for Canadian wheat sales. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example it might be argued that Diefenbaker’s failure to appoint Quebec residents to cabinet positions eroded support from Quebec and that high unemployment and a decline in the value of the Canadian dollar was indicative of domestic policy failure, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that Diefenbaker's domestic policies were successful in solving Canada's problems.