"I am a Canadian, a free Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship God in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe is wrong, or choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and mankind."

- House of Commons
July 1, 1960

Diefenbaker Canada Centre

Prime Minister Diefenbaker, while leader of a majority government in 1959, greeted Queen Elizabeth II in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

Diefenbaker Canada Centre

Prime Minister Diefenbaker and President John F. Kennedy remain personal opponents but political allies as they walk down an Ottawa street on 16 May 1961.

Diefenbaker Canada Centre

Diefenbaker, an avid supporter of equality for all citizens and an advocate for minority rights, is welcomed in English and Chinese by Miriann Lee in November, 1962.

Diefenbaker Canada Centre

John Diefenbaker and Ellen Fairclough, the first female Federal Cabinet Minister, meet in the Prime Minister’s office to be photographed with some of his Sir John A. Macdonald memorabilia.

Diefenbaker Canada Centre

During his visit on 9 September 2010, Prime Minister Stephen Harper is greeted by DCC Director Michael Atkinson in front of Sir John A. Macdonald’s desk, a permanent artefact on display at the Centre.

Diefenbaker Canada Centre

Diefenbaker and his wife Olive meet with a group of Polish children in costume in Sarnia, Ontario in 1959.

Diefenbaker Canada Centre

Prime Minister Stephen Harper examines the DCC’s replica room of the Prime Minister’s office; he is met by Premier Brad Wall and University of Saskatchewan President, Peter MacKinnon.

Diefenbaker Canada Centre

John G. Diefenbaker in Indian headdress with a group of children of the Beardy Okemasis band at Old Mission School in Duck Lake.

Diefenbaker Canada Centre

John G. Diefenbaker signs a copy of the Canadian Bill of Rights, one of his proudest achievements.

Diefenbaker Canada Centre

Prior to presenting the Centre with funding to renovate the building, Prime Minister Stephen Harper shakes hands with University of Saskatchewan President, Peter MacKinnon.

Diefenbaker Canada Centre

Diefenbaker showing a rare smile while carried on the shoulders of a large crowd of Quebec supporters during the election campaign of 1962.

Galleries

Come explore the newly renovated Diefenabaker Canada Centre!

Museum Hours

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Thursday: 9:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Weekends and Holidays: 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day, Good Friday, and Remembrance Day

Admission

Admission to the Diefenbaker Canada Centre’s galleries is by donation.

Diefenbaker Gallery

Diefenbaker Artefacts