March 13, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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CALGARY: The Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy has published a new book on Prime Minister John G. Diefenbaker. Written by acclaimed historian and political biographer Bob Plamondon, Freedom Fighter: John Diefenbaker’s Battle for Canadian Liberties and Independence also features a foreword from former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien. 

Freedom Fighter details Diefenbaker’s rise to Canada’s highest office from humble beginnings, his vision for Canada that he courageously implemented over his six years as prime minister, and his dramatic political downfall. 

“Diefenbaker was often out of step with the Canadian establishment but was rarely disconnected from ordinary Canadians,” notes Freedom Fighter author Bob Plamondon. “A small-town upstart with a German last name, Diefenbaker knew what it was like to be an outsider. As a result, he consistently fought for a Canada free of discrimination.” 

His views are highly relevant today with U.S. president Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods and taunting of Canada as the “51^st state.” As prime minister, John Diefenbaker boldly faced John F. Kennedy, who actively undermined his Canadian counterpart. Points of tension between the two nations during Diefenbaker’s 1957-1963 tenure as prime minister included: 

• the stationing of American nuclear weapons on Canadian soil; 

• American withholding of information from Canada amid the Cuban Missile Crisis; and 

• blatant American interference in the 1962 and 1963 Canadian federal elections.  

“Debates about Canada-U.S. relations in Diefenbaker’s time are instructive today given the Trump administration’s blunt-force tariffs and ‘invitation’ to Canada to become the 51^st state,” notes Plamondon.  

With new, previously unpublished archival material, Freedom Fighter offers fresh insights into Diefenbaker’s career and life. It is a sweeping and riveting exploration of one of Canada’s most enigmatic leaders and greatest prime ministers.  

Right Honourable Jean Chrétien on Bob Plamondon’s Freedom Fighter: 

“I was a political opponent of John Diefenbaker but never an enemy. Though we had our differences, we shared much in common: We were both small-town lawyers with a deep connection to ordinary Canadians. That may be why we were often underestimated and certainly not highly regarded by those on Bay Street or within establishment circles.  

“Neither of us subscribed to groupthink. At our core, we were common-sense politicians who trusted the judgment of the people. John Diefenbaker was undeniably a proud and passionate Canadian. He devoted his life to public service and inspired others to do the same. I hope his memory will continue to encourage others to serve their country, which is why I am happy his story is being told.”  

About Freedom Fighter: John Diefenbaker’s Battle for Canadian Liberties and Independence 

• John Diefenbaker’s critics say he was wrong on the Avro arrow, antiquated, and even paranoid. Even Progressive Conservative Party powerbrokers looked down on the Prairie populist, even though he won three elections. 

• Diefenbaker instinctively took the side of the underdog. He advanced the cause of liberty and freedom by opposing all forms of discrimination and by resisting government overreach into the lives of everyday Canadians.  

• The record shows that Diefenbaker sided with Indigenous Canadians more so than any other prime minister.  

• John Diefenbaker overcame early setbacks to pursue his vision of a Canada without systemic discrimination or hyphenated identities, while his ideal of One Canada was crystallized in his championing of the 1960 Bill of Rights.  

About the author: 

Bob Plamondon is the Globe & Mail bestselling author of more than five books on Canadian history and politics, including The Shawnigan Fox and Blue Thunder. Freedom Fighter is the Aristotle Foundation’s third book; previously released titles The 1867 Project and The Victim Cult have both been Amazon bestsellers. 

Link to the book:

Freedom Fighter: John Diefenbaker’s Battle for Canadian Liberties and Independence by Bob Plamondon 

To arrange for an author interview or a review copy of Freedom Fighter, note the contact below. 

Media contact:  

Dave Gordon, Media Liaison 

Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy  

Email: dave.gordon@aristotlefoundation.org 

About the Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy: 

The Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy is a new educational and public policy think tank that champions reason, democracy, and civilization. We publish books, videos, fact sheets, studies, columns, interviews, and infographics on both issues of Canadian history and public policy matters of relevance to today’s Canadians. The Aristotle foundation’s first book, The 1867 Project: Why Canada Should be Cherished, Not Cancelled, was an Amazon #1 bestseller and has sold over 11,000 copies.