Douglas Harkness
A Canadian Minister of National Defence who steered the country's military through the tense early years of the Cold War and the seismic political crisis of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
1903–1999 (age 96)·Canadian politician·Birthday: March 29·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Douglas Harkness entered politics with the sober demeanor of a man who had seen war, serving as an artillery officer in World War II. That experience defined his subsequent parliamentary career, which was largely dedicated to matters of defence and veterans' affairs. Elected as a Progressive Conservative, he represented his Alberta riding for over two decades. His most significant and tumultuous role came as John Diefenbaker's Minister of National Defence. Harkness was a staunch Atlanticist and advocate for nuclear arms for Canadian forces, a position that placed him on a collision course with the increasingly hesitant Prime Minister during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Their very public disagreement over alert levels and weaponry culminated in Harkness's principled resignation in 1963, an act that helped trigger the fall of Diefenbaker's government. He left politics as a figure of conviction, respected for his directness and dedication to what he believed was essential for national security.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Douglas was born in 1903, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Douglas Was Born
The biggest hits of 1903
Douglas's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1903Born
Wright brothers achieve first powered flight
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1908Started school
Ford Model T goes into production
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1916Became a teenager
The Battle of the Somme claims over a million casualties
President: Woodrow Wilson
1919Could drive
Treaty of Versailles signed; Prohibition ratified
President: Woodrow Wilson
1921Could vote
First commercial radio broadcasts
President: Warren G. Harding"My Man" — Fanny Brice
1924Turned 21
First Winter Olympics held in Chamonix, France
President: Calvin Coolidge"It Had to Be You" — Isham Jones
1933Turned 30
FDR's New Deal launches; Prohibition ends
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stormy Weather" — Ethel WatersBest Picture: Cavalcade
1943Turned 40
Allies invade Sicily; Battle of Stalingrad ends
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,290Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I've Heard That Song Before" — Harry JamesBest Picture: Casablanca
1953Turned 50
DNA structure discovered by Watson and Crick
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,750Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Song from Moulin Rouge" — Percy FaithBest Picture: From Here to Eternity
1963Turned 60
JFK assassinated in Dallas; Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $13,100Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"Sugar Shack" — Jimmy Gilmer & The FireballsBest Picture: Tom Jones
1973Turned 70
US withdraws from Vietnam; Roe v. Wade decided
Gas: $0.39/galHome: $22,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" — Tony Orlando & DawnBest Picture: The Sting
1983Turned 80
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1999Died at 96
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
Key Achievements
- Served as Canada's Minister of National Defence from 1960 to 1963 under Prime Minister John Diefenbaker.
- His resignation from cabinet in 1963 over defence policy was a key factor in the collapse of the Diefenbaker government.
- Represented the riding of Calgary North for over 20 years as a Member of Parliament.
- Previously served as the Minister of Veterans Affairs, advocating for those who had served.
Did You Know?
He was a decorated artillery officer in the Canadian Army during World War II.
The policy disagreement leading to his resignation centered on accepting nuclear warheads for Canadian weapons systems.
After politics, he returned to farming in Alberta.
He was first elected to the House of Commons in a 1945 by-election.
“The first duty of government is the security of its people.”
