Robert Stanfield, Canadian economist, lawyer, and politician, 17th Premier of Nova Scotia (d. 2003)

Robert Lorne Stanfield, born on April 11, 1914, and passing away on December 16, 2003, stands as a figure of remarkable integrity and enduring respect in Canadian political history. His career spanned both provincial and federal arenas, serving as the 17th premier of Nova Scotia from 1956 to 1967 before taking on the demanding role of leader of the Official Opposition and leader of the federal Progressive Conservative Party of Canada from 1967 to 1976.

Early Life and Foundations

Hailing from Truro, Nova Scotia, Stanfield was born into a family with deep roots in both commerce and politics. His family owned Stanfield's Limited, a prominent clothing manufacturing company, and his father, Frank Stanfield, and grandfather, Charles E. Stanfield, had both served in the Nova Scotia legislature. This affluent upbringing provided a solid foundation for his education and future endeavors. He pursued higher education, earning a degree from Dalhousie University, a venerable institution in his home province, before furthering his legal studies at the prestigious Harvard Law School in the 1930s. Following his graduation, he embarked on a career as a lawyer, honing the analytical and rhetorical skills that would later define his political style.

Revitalizing Nova Scotia

In 1948, Stanfield made a pivotal decision, stepping into the political fray as the leader of the Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative Party. At the time, this was no small feat; the party found itself in a dire state, holding not a single seat in the provincial legislature. It was a challenge that demanded exceptional leadership and strategic vision. Stanfield embarked on an ambitious rebuilding period, meticulously working to revive the party's fortunes and reconnect with the electorate. His dedication bore fruit, and in 1956, he led the Progressive Conservatives to a significant majority government, marking their first provincial victory since 1928. This monumental achievement was not a singular success; he went on to lead the party to a total of four majority governments. During his tenure as premier, Stanfield's government became renowned for its progressive and modernizing approach, particularly in how the province delivered crucial public services. He is widely credited with spearheading significant reforms in the education system and enhancing medical services, laying groundwork for Nova Scotia's future development and improving the quality of life for its citizens.

A National Calling and Federal Challenges

With a strong record of success in Nova Scotia, Stanfield’s political trajectory shifted to the national stage. In 1967, he resigned as premier to take on the leadership of the federal Progressive Conservative Party. This move placed him at the helm of the Official Opposition, a position from which he would challenge the dominant Liberal Party. He contested three federal elections – in 1968, 1972, and 1974 – each time facing off against the charismatic and formidable Pierre Elliott Trudeau, who led the Liberal Party to victory in all three contests. This era was marked by intense political battles and a shifting national identity, making it a particularly challenging time to lead the opposition.

Stanfield was a vocal and staunch supporter of official bilingualism, a progressive stance that, while forward-thinking for the nation, sometimes put him at odds with some within his own Progressive Conservative Party, particularly those from western Canada who harbored reservations about the policy. Despite his strong convictions on the importance of linguistic duality for national unity, his personal inability to speak French fluently became a significant political handicap, particularly in Quebec and in a country increasingly embracing bilingualism. This linguistic barrier, combined with Trudeau's magnetic appeal, ultimately hindered his chances of becoming prime minister, despite his widely recognized integrity and policy depth.

Legacy and Retirement

In 1976, Stanfield stepped down as the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party, and three years later, in 1979, he retired from public office altogether. In his retirement, he primarily resided in Ottawa, where he passed away in 2003 from complications related to pneumonia. Robert Stanfield’s legacy extends far beyond his electoral victories and defeats. He is frequently remembered as "the best prime minister Canada never had," a testament to the profound respect he commanded across the political spectrum for his honesty, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to public service. His stature as one of Canada's most distinguished and respected statesmen was further underscored by a rare honor: he was one of only a handful of individuals to be granted the style "The Right Honourable" without holding an office that traditionally entitles one to such a designation, an exceptional recognition of his character and contributions to the nation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Robert L. Stanfield

What were Robert Stanfield's key political roles?
Robert Stanfield served as the 17th premier of Nova Scotia from 1956 to 1967. After moving to federal politics, he became the leader of the Official Opposition and leader of the federal Progressive Conservative Party of Canada from 1967 to 1976.
What were Stanfield's major achievements as Premier of Nova Scotia?
As premier, Stanfield led the Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative Party to four majority governments, revitalizing a party that previously held no seats. His government is widely credited with modernizing the province's education system and significantly improving medical services.
Why is Robert Stanfield sometimes called "the best prime minister Canada never had"?
This title reflects the widespread respect he garnered across Canada for his integrity, intelligence, and commitment to public service. Despite never becoming prime minister, many viewed him as having the qualities and vision necessary for the role, and he was known for his thoughtful policies and ethical approach to politics.
What was Stanfield's stance on bilingualism, and how did it affect his career?
Robert Stanfield was a strong and early supporter of official bilingualism in Canada, a progressive stance that was crucial for national unity during his time. However, his personal inability to speak French fluently was seen as a significant political disadvantage, particularly in Quebec, and was believed to have hampered his chances of becoming prime minister in a country increasingly emphasizing linguistic duality.
What was the significance of him being granted the style "The Right Honourable"?
The style "The Right Honourable" is an honorific typically reserved for individuals who have held very high offices, such as prime ministers, chief justices, or governors general. Stanfield was granted this distinction without having held such an office, which is a rare and exceptional honor, signifying immense respect for his contributions and character as a Canadian statesman.