Federal Tory leader R.B. Bennett was only days away from becoming Prime Minister on this date in 1930. An audience of 10,000 people greeted Bennett as he arrived at a large rally in Ottawa rally. The event came after a grueling election campaign that pitted R.B. against Prime Minister Mackenzie King and his Liberals.
Former Prime Minister Sir Robert Borden introduced Bennett to the confident Tory crowd. “This seems to be very much like old times,” Borden began. “I am glad to be here and join in this celebration of welcome to our leader, who is now closing one of the most splendid campaigns of any political leader in Canada…. In his campaign from Atlantic to Pacific he has stood for but one policy and that is for the people. In all his labours he has been cheered and sustained by the presence and support of a devoted sister (Mildred). He has been strong and true; and on Monday Canada will lay upon his shoulders the accolade of leadership.”
There were loud cheers as Borden concluded and then Bennett addressed the vast audience. The Ottawa Journal described the scene. “At 8:43 p.m. Hon. R. B. Bennett rose and stood for some minutes before the microphone waiting to commence his speech while round after round of cheers reverberated through the huge hall,” a reporter wrote. “The audience gave him an upstanding welcome…. Three more cheers were given, led by Mayor Plant after which Mr. Bennett began his speech.”
“There is nothing wrong with Canada,” Bennett thundered, “save the policies of this (Liberal) government. Nothing that cannot be overcome by the people, if given a chance. In that union, in our strength, if we employ the vigour and fearlessness which dwell in all parts of the land. Canadians, let us be bold in our cause, and diligent for time is precious.”
Two days after Bennett’s speech concluded, the MP for Calgary’s confidence would be proven to be very well placed indeed. R.B. Bennett would receive a majority mandate from Canadians.
Arthur Milnes is an accomplished public historian and award-winning journalist. He was research assistant on The Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney’s best-selling Memoirs and also served as a speechwriter to then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper and as a Fellow of the Queen’s Centre for the Study of Democracy under the leadership of Tom Axworthy. A resident of Kingston, Ontario, Milnes serves as the in-house historian at the 175 year-old Frontenac Club Hotel.