About
John Turner was a Canadian lawyer and politician who served as the 17th prime minister of Canada. He held the office for a brief period in 1984. Prior to his short time as Prime Minister, Turner had a distinguished career as a cabinet minister under Prime Ministers Lester B. Pearson and Pierre Elliott Trudeau. He also served as the leader of the Liberal Party and leader of the Opposition after his term as prime minister. Although his time in office was brief, Turner played a significant role in Canadian politics.
Career Timeline
Elected to Parliament
Elected to the Canadian Parliament, beginning his political career with minimal personal wealth.
Minister of Justice
Appointed Minister of Justice, increasing his public profile and influence.
Minister of Finance
Appointed Minister of Finance, overseeing Canada's economic policies.
Becomes Prime Minister
Becomes the 17th Prime Minister of Canada.
Defeated in Election
His party is defeated in the election, ending his short term as Prime Minister.
Resigns as Leader
Resigns as leader of the Liberal Party.
Death of John Turner
Passes away. While respected, his time as PM was brief.
Legacy Remembered
Remembered as a former PM, but not a dominant figure in Canadian history.
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Last updated: February 21, 2026