Daniel Johnson Sr.

Daniel Johnson Sr.
Name	Daniel Johnson Sr.
Caption	Daniel Johnson Sr.
Birth date	July 5, 1915
Birth place	Danville, Quebec
Death date	September 26, 1968
Death place	Montreal, Quebec
Occupation	Politician, Journalist
Party	Union Nationale
Spouse	Simone Turcotte
Children	Pierre-Marc Johnson, Daniel Johnson Jr.

Daniel Johnson Sr. was a Canadian politician and journalist who served as the 20th Premier of Quebec from 1966 until his death in 1968. A leader of the Union Nationale, he became a central figure in debates over Quebec autonomy, nationalism, and federal-provincial relations during the Quiet Revolution and the rise of Quebec nationalism. His premiership intersected with figures and institutions across Canadian and international politics, including leaders of the Liberal Party of Canada, the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada, and premiers of other provinces.

Early life and education

Born in Danville, Quebec to a family of Irish and French-Canadian descent, he studied at institutions such as the Université Laval and later attended programs linked with McGill University and the University of Montreal for journalism and public administration training. Early in his career he worked for newspapers associated with media groups like La Presse and Le Devoir, developing ties to editorial networks that included journalists from The Globe and Mail and correspondents covering the Second World War and World War II. His education connected him with alumni and faculty of institutions like the Royal Military College of Canada and the École des hautes études commerciales de Montréal through lectures, conferences, and provincial policy forums.

Political career

He entered provincial politics as a member of the Union Nationale, contesting elections against candidates from the Quebec Liberal Party and later navigating political challenges from the Parti Québécois and the Rassemblement pour l'Indépendance Nationale. Elected to the National Assembly of Quebec (formerly the Legislative Assembly of Quebec), he served in caucuses alongside politicians who engaged with federal figures such as Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson and Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. His rise included alliances and rivalries involving leaders from other provinces like Robert Bourassa of Quebec and John Robarts of Ontario, and interactions with federal institutions including Parliament of Canada and the Supreme Court of Canada on constitutional matters.

Premiership of Quebec

As Premier he led a government that negotiated fiscal and constitutional relations with the Government of Canada and with premiers at meetings of the First Ministers' Conference. His tenure overlapped with events and institutions such as the 1967 Expo 67 planning agencies, the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism, and provincial bodies including the Hydro-Québec executive and the Société générale de financement. He engaged with national leaders like Pierre Trudeau and provincial counterparts including David Lewis and Mitchell Sharp on issues of taxation, natural resources, and provincial autonomy. His administration faced social movements influenced by thinkers and activists connected to figures like Henri Bourassa, René Lévesque, and cultural institutions such as the National Film Board of Canada.

Policies and ideology

He articulated a form of Quebec nationalism distinct from separatism, promoting provincial control over natural resources and cultural affairs while remaining within the Canadian federation. His policies touched on hydroelectric development with Hydro-Québec, debates over the James Bay region, and resource agreements reminiscent of arrangements pursued by governments dealing with companies like Bell Canada Enterprises and multinational firms. He championed measures affecting provincial labour relations interacting with unions like the Confédération des syndicats nationaux and business organizations such as the Confédération des syndicats nationaux and chambers of commerce that confer with groups like the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters. His ideological stance engaged commentaries from intellectuals associated with the Quiet Revolution, publications like Le Devoir and policy institutes similar to the Institut de recherche politique de Montréal.

Personal life and family

He married Simone Turcotte, linking him by marriage to families and social circles present in Montreal and regions such as the Eastern Townships. His sons, including Pierre-Marc Johnson and Daniel Johnson Jr., later became prominent figures in provincial politics and law, interacting with institutions like the Barreau du Québec and serving in cabinets associated with premiers such as Jean Chrétien and Robert Bourassa. The family maintained associations with cultural institutions including the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and academic circles at Université Laval and McGill University where relatives and associates held lectures and appointments.

Legacy and honours

His sudden death in 1968 prompted tributes from provincial and federal leaders including members of the Parliament of Canada, premiers from provinces such as Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador, and politicians from parties including the Liberal Party of Canada and the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada. Monuments and dedications included plaques, buildings, and institutions that involved municipal authorities in Montreal, regional governments in the Outaouais, and cultural organizations like the Musée de la civilisation. His legacy influenced constitutional debates leading to discussions that involved the Constitution Act, 1867, later constitutional negotiations with leaders such as Brian Mulroney and Jean Chrétien, and inspired historians working from archives housed at institutions like the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec and the Library and Archives Canada.

Category:Premiers of Quebec Category:1915 births Category:1968 deaths