William Lyon Mackenzie King

Rt. Hon. W.L. Mackenzie King, Prime Minister of Canada, broadcasting a message to Canada on VE-Day (1945)

William Lyon Mackenzie King PC OM CMG (17 December 1874 - 22 July 1950) was the tenth Prime Minister of Canada from December 29, 1921, to June 28, 1926; September 25, 1926, to August 7, 1930; and October 23, 1935, to November 15, 1948. With over 21 years in the office, he was the longest serving Prime Minister in British Commonwealth history.

Quotes

• That Canada should desire to restrict immigration and remain a white man's country is regarded as not only natural, but necessary for economic, political and social reasons."
  • King's Dissertation on Oriental Immigration to Canada, 1908

About William Lyon Mackenzie King

• We had no shape
  Because he never took sides;
  And no sides
  Because he never allowed them to take shape.
  • F.R. Scott, "W.L.M.K.", 1957.

• Do nothing by halves
  Which can be done by quarters.
  • F. R. Scott, "W.L.M.K.", 1957.

• Nearly forty years ago, a distinguished Prime Minister of this country took the part of the United States at a disarmament conference. He said, "They may not be angels but they are at least our friends." I must say that I do not think that we probably demonstrated in that forty years that we are angels yet, but I hope we have demonstrated that we are at least friends. And I must say that I think in these days where hazard is our constant companion, that friends are a very good thing to have.
  • John F. Kennedy; Address Before the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa Online, The American Presidency Project; 17 May 1961

• William Lyon Mackenzie King
  Sat in a corner and played with string,
  Loved his mother like anything,
  William Lyon Mackenzie King.
  • Dennis Lee, "William Lyon Mackenzie King".

• For the courtesy of appearing before you, as for other courtesies, I am sure I am largely indebted to my good friend, Prime Minister Mackenzie King. I was particularly happy to be present yesterday when he was honored in the rotunda of this Parliament building. It was a wonderful ceremony, and one which I think he richly deserved. I also appreciate very highly his political advice which he gave me. I have come to value and cherish his friendship and statesmanship. As our two nations have worked together in solving the difficult problems of the postwar period, I have developed greater and greater respect for his wisdom.
  • Harry S. Truman; Address Before the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa Online, The American Presidency Project; 11 June 1947