William Lyon Mackenzie King

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.

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

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