Can You Name These Canadian Political Leaders?

By: Heather Cahill
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
Can You Name These Canadian Political Leaders?
Image: Danielle Donders / Moment / Getty Images

About This Quiz

As a Canadian, it's essential to know who is running your country, province/territory or even your city. As a citizen, you even have the right to vote on the party and representative that you believe is best for what you'd like to see change within your area. In order vote, it's important to know the people who run the country and it's smaller areas, as well as those that work with them. Do you think you're an expert on Canadian politicians?

Canada has had more than 22 Prime Ministers in its more than 150 years, which may seem like a small number. This is because, in Canada, there is no limit to how long a Prime Minister can serve, but there's a federal election around every four years. If a Prime Minister stays the leader of their party and continues to be reelected, they can remain in office for quite a while. One example is William Lyon Mackenzie King, who spent over 21 years in total as the Prime Minister of Canada, the longest of anyone in the office.

Have you studied up on the Prime Ministers and leaders of Canada's past and present? Then get ready to show what you know on this quiz!

stephen harper
Stanford Graduate School of Business via YouTube
He was a member of the Reform Party and later became head of the Progressive Conservatives. Which politician is shown here?
Sir Wilfrid Laurier
John Abott
William Lyon Mackenzie King
Stephen Harper
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Stephen Harper jumped from party to party at first, later deciding to stick with becoming the leader of the Progressive Conservatives. This move resulted in him being elected as Prime Minister. Did you know that when he was growing up, he wanted to work for the United Nations?

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jean chretien
CBC News: The National via YouTube
The 20th Prime Minister of Canada is shown here. Can you name him?
Jean Chretien
Arthur Meighen
John Abbott
Alexander Mackenzie
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The leader of the Liberal Party at the time of his election, Jean Chretien spent two terms as Prime Minister. Under Pierre Elliot Trudeau, he was also part of the Cabinet serving as the Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources, which has since been dissolved and is now known as the Minister of Natural Resources.

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paul martin
CTV News via YouTube
Shown here is which Prime Minister who spent three years in office?
Lester B. Pearson
Robert Borden
Paul Martin
John Diefenbaker
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While he served a short term in office, that's not all of the experience that Paul Martin had. He was a Minister of Finance under Jean Chretien and today involves himself in other finance issues with Canada's Ecofiscal Commission.

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jason kenney
CBC News: The National via YouTube
The 18th Premier of Alberta is shown here. Do you know what his name is?
Mackenzie Bowell
Denis King
Tom Mulcair
Jason Kenney
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jason Kenney took on the role as Premier in 2019 on behalf of the United Conservative Party. He has spent many years as a minister in the Senate under Stephen Harper, most notably as the fourth person to take on the role of a Minister of Multiculturalism.

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dennis king
Prince Edward Island Government via YouTube
Prince Edward Island's 33rd Premier is shown here. Who is he?
Blaine Higgs
John Diefenbaker
Denis King
Tom Mulcair
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Denis King led his Conservative Party to a win in 2019, in Prince Edward Island. As an expert in the area of communications, he still runs communications businesses within the province today.

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richard bennett
British Movietone via YouTube
Do you know who this politician, a leader during the Great Depression, is?
Richard Bennett
Dwight Ball
Mackenzie Bowell
Bob McLeod
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

During his time as Prime Minister, Richard Bennett did many things. One of those was to create the CRBC, which is now more commonly known as the CBC. He was also succeeded by William Lyon Mackenzie King, who was in office before him.

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doug ford
CBC News: The National via YouTube
The Premier shown here is the brother of a former Mayor of Toronto. Can you name him?
Scott Moe
William Lyon Mackenzie King
Doug Ford
Justin Trudeau
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Becoming the Premier of Ontario in 2018, Doug Ford is part of the Progressive Conservative Party. Before he and the Conservatives were elected, the province was under Premier Kathleen Wynne and the Liberal Party.

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pierre elliott trudeau
Mediapart via YouTube
Who is this politician who fathered another Prime Minister?
Louis St. Laurent
Sir Wilfrid Laurier
Doug Ford
Pierre Elliott Trudeau
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pierre Elliott Trudeau was known as the leader of the Liberal Party and spent a total of 15 years in office. One of the many famous moments in Pierre Trudeau's career is when he did a pirouette behind the Queen, which was famously photographed.

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joe clark
Strombo via YouTube
Among a few others who spent the least time as Prime Minister, can you guess who the person pictured here is?
Joe Clark
Arthur Meighen
Jason Kenney
Sir John A. MacDonald
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Joe Clark was in office just short of nine months as the leader of the Progressive Conservatives before Pierre Trudeau took office once again. That didn't stop Joe Clark, who continued his leadership of the Progressive Conservatives for three years after that.

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john a macdonald
CBC News: The National via YouTube
Pictured here is the first Prime Minister of Canada. What is his name?
Sir Robert Borden
John Diefenbaker
Sir John A. MacDonald
Tom Mulcair
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Taking part in the Confederation of Canada, Sir John A. MacDonald and his Conservative Party became the first to be in power in the country. However, it didn't come without problems, as Sir John A. MacDonald eventually resigned when word got out about bribes.

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robert borden
Retrospect via YouTube
This politician took office after Sir Laurier, but do you know who he is?
Sir Robert Borden
Justin Trudeau
Paul Martin
Joe Clark
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Did you know that Sir Robert Borden was first part of the Liberal Party before disagreeing with them and changing to join the Conservative Party? After his switch, he was elected to be the leader which lead to him being elected as the next Prime Minister of Canada.

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dwight ball
Global News via YouTube
This leader in Newfoundland and Labrador goes by ...?
Dwight Ball
John Horgan
Mackenzie Bowell
Brian Mulroney
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Dwight Ball became the Premier in 2015 after a defeat of the Conservatives who were in power before. Known around Newfoundland and Labrador to be highly involved with the community, he is especially recognized in his contributions for seniors.

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wilfrid laurier
Canada's History via YouTube
Among some of the first to be in office is this person known by which of the following?
John Thomas
Louis St. Laurent
Sir Wilfrid Laurier
Charles Tupper
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sir Wilfrid Laurier and the Liberal Party were respected at the time for many reasons. Instead of leaning more toward the French or the English, Sir Laurier worked to create a happy medium between the two groups.

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tom mulcair
CBC News: The National via YouTube
Can you name the former leader of the NDP pictured here?
Arthur Meighen
Paul Martin
Tom Mulcair
Pierre Elliott Trudeau
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Many politicians were lawyers before switching over, and Tom Mulcair was no exception. One unique fact about Tom Mulcair is that he was the first NDP representative to ever be elected in Quebec.

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john horgan
CTV News via YouTube
British Columbia's Premier since 2017 is who shown here?
John Horgan
Louis St. Laurent
John Diefenbaker
Sandy Silver
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

John Horgan, who is part of the NDP, has been representing the province of British Columbia since 2017. Before becoming a leader of the party, he worked a few different jobs within the government.

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elizabeth may
Global News via YouTube
Born in the United States, she's the leader of a Canadian party. Who is she?
Elizabeth May
Kim Campbell
Michaelle Jean
Caroline Mulroney
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Elizabeth May represents the Green Party in more ways than one. While she is a leader of the party, she was also elected as an MP in an area of Vancouver Island. She was also the first representative of the party to be voted in as an MP.

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justin trudeau
Global News via YouTube
The person pictured here is the 23rd Prime Minister of Canada, but what is his name?
Justin Trudeau
Stephen Harper
Joe Clark
Paul Martin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Born in Ottawa, Justin Trudeau's father was Pierre Elliott Trudeau, another Prime Minister of Canada. He has completed many firsts in his life, such as being the first Prime Minister to have been born in Ottawa.

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sandy silver
Cambridge House International Inc. via YouTube
Do you know this Liberal Premier in the Yukon?
Billy Pang
Joel Harden
Vincent Ke
Sandy Silver
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sandy Silver became the Premier of the Yukon in 2016, taking half of the seats. Despite taking on the job of Premier, he's also a minister in two areas while the rest of his Cabinet handles the other minister positions.

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jagmeet singh
Global News via YouTube
After starting out as a lawyer, he became a leader of one of Canada's biggest parties. Can you name him?
Jagmeet Singh
Stephen Harper
Brian Mulroney
John Abbott
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jagmeet Singh is a leader of the New Democratic Party who first took over leadership in 2017. He's a representative of the Burnaby South riding in Vancouver, and he secured his seat in the House of Commons after being elected.

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william l m king
British Pathé via YouTube
Who spent the most time in office out of any other Prime Minister?
Sir Wilfrid Laurier
Joe Clark
Justin Trudeau
William Lyon Mackenzie King
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Very smart in many different areas, Mackenzie King was found to be much different in private than he was to the public after the release of his unfinished memoirs. One example was his fascination with the paranormal. He was known to hold seances in order to communicate with the dead.

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john diefenbaker
DePauw University Video - Ken Owen via YouTube
Do you know which persevering person is pictured here?
Stephen Harper
Pierre Elliott Trudeau
Lester B. Pearson
John Diefenbaker
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

John Diefenbaker was elected as the leader of the Conservative 20 years after his venture into politics. A year later, he was elected as Prime Minister. He's often praised for his appointment of the first female Cabinet minister in Canada, which was Ellen Fairclough.

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stephen mcneil
Global News via YouTube
Who is shown here and is important in the Maritimes?
Stephen McNeil
Sir Robert Borden
Andrew Scheer
Bob McLeod
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A long-time leader of the Liberal Party in the province of Nova Scotia, Stephen McNeil was first elected as Premier in 2013. Before he had his start in politics, he owned a small business in Nova Scotia.

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kim campbell
CBC News via YouTube
The first female to take office was which person pictured here?
Kim Campbell
Caroline Mulroney
Elizabeth May
Michaelle Jean
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Kim Campbell started off her political career as the Chair of the Vancouver School Board, later joining the BC Social Credit Party. When she became Prime Minister, she was the leader of the Progressive Conservatives, taking over for Brian Mulroney.

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arthur meighen
Wiki Commons
He was elected twice in the 1920s, but what is his name?
Tom Mulcair
Jason Kenney
Stephen Harper
Arthur Meighen
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Serving twice in office and twice as the leader of the Conservative Party, Arthur Meighen was not elected during his second run as the leader in the 1940s. After this, he decided to go back to his roots and practice law once again.

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lester pearson
Fed Vid via YouTube
Pictured here is a Prime Minister who received a Nobel Peace Prize. Can you guess who he is?
Lester B. Pearson
Sir John A MacDonald
David Johnston
Andrew Scheer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Lester B. Pearson received his Nobel Peace Prize in relation to the Suez Crisis. He played a major role in dissolving the conflict and was recognized for this work. He was part of the Liberal Party and was Prime Minister for five years.

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charles tupper
Wiki Commons by William James Topley
This politician spent just over two months in office. Do you know who he is?
Sir Wilfrid Laurier
Francois Legault
Sir Charles Tupper
John Horgan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Known for spending the shortest time as Prime Minister out of anyone else in office, Sir Charles Tupper started his career as the Premier of Nova Scotia. In addition to that, he's also served in Cabinet numerous time under different minister positions.

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louis st laurent
British Movietone via YouTube
Who took over after the retirement of the leader of his party?
Jason Kenney
John Abbott
Louis St. Laurent
Joe Savikataaq
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Louis St. Laurent became the new leader of the Liberal Party after the retirement of Mackenzie King, who was happy to see him as his successor. Continuing the reign of the Liberals, Louis St. Laurent was voted into office in 1948.

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john turner
Strombo via YouTube
Which of the many Johns who were Prime Minister is shown here?
Dwight Ball
Sandy Silver
Andrew Scheer
John Turner
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Taking office after the retirement of Pierre Elliott Trudeau, John Turner took over for the Liberal Party for the remaining time that they held office. Despite Trudeau resigning so that the Liberal Party had a chance at reelection, they were defeated even with John Turner as their representative at the next election.

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mackenzie bowell
Wiki Commons
Though born in England, he became the Prime Minister of Canada. Can you name him?
Mackenzie Bowell
Blaine Higgs
Scott Moe
Sir Charles Tupper
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Mackenzie Bowell succeeded Conservative Prime Minister John Thompson after his unfortunate death while in office. Even after his time as Prime Minister, he continued his political career within the Senate, where he had worked prior.

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alexander mackenzie
Wiki Commons by National Portrait Gallery (Great Britain)
Who shown here had a successful election that he won with flying colours?
Alexander Mackenzie
Brian Pallister
Bob McLeod
Sir Charles Tupper
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

More Canadians supported the Liberals at this time of Alexander Mackenzie than any other Canadian party in history. Despite this, at the end of his term, he and the Liberal Party were defeated by the Conservative Party.

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joe savikataaq
cpac via YouTube
One of only five Premiers in Nunavut is pictured here. Do you know who he is?
Joe Savikataaq
Kevin Yarde
Lester B. Pearson
David Piccini
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Joe Savikataaq sits as an independent who was elected as Premier in 2018. As it only reached official territory status in 1999, this was the first time that the territory voted on a new Premier as Nunavut.

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john abbott
Wiki Commons by William James Topley
Who was third to serve in the Prime Minister's office?
Stephen McNeil
Stephen Harper
Dwight Ball
John Abbott
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This Conservative leader spent just over a year in office after the death of his predecessor, Sir John A. MacDonald. He and the Conservatives were popular in the nation as they won the majority of the by-elections that were held during the term.

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andrew scheer
CBC News: The National via YouTube
Name the person who became a leader of the Conservatives in 2017?
Pierre Elliot Trudeau
Blaine Higgs
Andrew Scheer
Francois Legault
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Despite being born in Ottawa, Andrew Scheer became an MP for the riding of Regina-Qu'Appelle in Saskatchewan. Did you know that he was the youngest Speaker of the House of Commons in Canada's history?

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francois legault
CTV News via YouTube
This person became the leader of the Coalition Avenir Quebec in 2011. Do you know who he is?
Sandy Silver
Sir Robert Borden
Joe Clark
Francois Legault
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Before Francois Legault got into politics, he worked for a few big brands and even founded his own. One of these companies is Air Transat, which has become a large flight company within Canada.

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brian pallister
Global News via YouTube
Which of the following who became the Premier of Manitoba is shown here?
Brian Pallister
Francois Legault
Stephen Harper
Brian Mulroney
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Though becoming a leader of the Conservatives in Manitoba in 2012, he became a leader of the opposition until 2016 when he was voted in. Did you know that outside of politics, he's also very gifted at curling?

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blaine higgs
CTV News via YouTube
If you're from New Brunswick, chances are that you've seen this face a few times. Do you know who it is?
Joe Clark
Joe Savikataaq
Blaine Higgs
Dwight Ball
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The 34th Premier in New Brunswick, Blaine Higgs is part of the Conservative Party. Once he was sworn in as Premier, did you know that he became the oldest Premier to ever take office in New Brunswick?

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scott moe
Premier Scott Moe via YouTube
Which person pictured here is part of the Saskatchewan Party?
Scott Moe
Paul Martin
Bill Morneau
Stan Cho
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Before becoming Premier, Scott Moe held a few Minister positions in the Cabinet. Upon the retirement of his predecessor, Brad Wall, Scott Moe took on his position and was elected as Premier in 2018.

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brian mulroney
CBC News: The National via YouTube
After serving for almost ten years as Prime Minister, he retired before the end of his last term. Who is it?
Pierre Elliott Trudeau
John A. MacDonald
Brian Mulroney
Bill Morneau
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Brian Mulroney served two terms as Prime Minister but was faced with a recession during the second term. He retired as he reached the close of the second term, leaving Kim Campbell to fill in. He's also the father of two other famous Canadians, Ben Mulroney, a TV host, and Caroline Mulroney, a politician in her own right.

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bob mcleod
The Arctic Circle via YouTube
What familiar face in the North is shown here?
Dwight Ball
Rudy Cuzzetto
Bob McLeod
Jeremy Roberts
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In the Northwest Territories, Bob McLeod became Premier in 2011. As an independent, he defeated the previous Conservative government that was head of the territory and has held the position for more than 8 years.

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john thompson
Wiki Commons by William James Topley
Do you know this former Premier of Nova Scotia?
Sir John Thompson
Louis St. Laurent
Mackenzie Bowell
John Turner
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Just before the turn of the century, John Abbott and the Conservatives were elected, but after his retirement, the job went to Thompson. John Thompson also served the role of Prime Minister and as Attorney General, but unfortunately, he passed away while in office.

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