William Lyon Mackenzie King
William Lyon Mackenzie King
William Lyon Mackenzie King OM CMG PC, also commonly known as Mackenzie King, was the dominant Canadian political leader from the 1920s through the 1940s. He served as the tenth Prime Minister of Canada in 1921–1926, 1926–1930, and 1935–1948. He is best known for his leadership of Canada throughout the Second World Warwhen he mobilized Canadian money, supplies and volunteers to support Britain while boosting the economy and maintaining home front morale. A Liberal with 22 years in office, he...
NationalityCanadian
ProfessionPolitician
Date of Birth17 December 1874
CountryCanada
William Lyon Mackenzie King quotes about
Until the control of the issue of currency and credit is restored to government and recognized as its most conspicuous and sacred responsibility, all talks of the sovereignty of Parliament and of democracy is idle and futile.
From the outset of the war, the Canadian people have clearly shown that it is their desire to help in every way to make Canadas war effort as effective as possible.
Let it be remembered, too, that at a time of war, nearly every one is under great strain.
Once a nation parts with the control of its credit, it matters not who makes the laws.
Workers in industry are the partners in war of the fighting forces.
Each year, therefore, a dollar spent on alcoholic beverages has purchased a smaller quantity.
I believed the people had a true instinct in most matters of government when left alone. That they were not swayed, as specially favoured individuals were, by personal interest, but rather by a sense of what best served the common good. That they recognized the truth when it was put before them, and that a leader can guide so long as he kept to the right lines. I did not think it was a mark of leadership to try to make the people do what one wanted them to do.
Only the man who disciplines himself strictly can stand for long the terrific pace of modern war.
Fortunately, the Canadian people in all their habits, are essentially a temperate people.
Every hour of useful work is precious.
Far more has been accomplished for the welfare and progress of mankind by preventing bad actions than by doing good ones.
It is what we prevent, rather than what we do that counts most in Government.
Government, in the last analysis, is organized opinion. Where there is little or no public opinion, there is likely to be bad government.
When it comes to politics, one has to do as one at sea with a sailing ship, reach one's course having regard to prevailing winds.