by Mark Sholdice
On Monday 25 March, Ken Dryden will be speaking at the Woodrow Wilson School for an appearance sponsored by the Program in Canadian Studies. You may be interested in attending – Dryden is not only a legendary hockey player, but is also a leading Canadian Liberal.
Before entering politics, Dryden spent the 1970s playing hockey for the Montreal Canadiens. Despite a relatively short career as a goalie, he racked up numerous records, trophies and Stanley Cup victories. After leaving professional hockey in 1979, Dryden earned a law degree, worked as a television commentator, wrote several books, and served in leadership roles with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Dryden was recruited to run in the 2004 federal election for the Liberal Party of Canada, and subsequently was named Minister of Social Development in the cabinet of Prime Minister Paul Martin. As minister, he secured a deal with all ten provinces for a national childcare and early learning plan; unfortunately this policy was scrapped when the Conservative Party won the 2006 election.
With the resignation of Martin as Liberal leader after this electoral loss, Dryden announced his candidacy for the top job. Although he did not secure a place among the top leadership contenders (due to a limited proficiency in French and a small base in the Party), he impressed many Liberals (myself included) with his campaign’s friendly style and focus on social justice. Despite his loss at the 2006 leadership convention, he remained an active and leading Liberal Member of Parliament until his defeat in the 2011 election.
Dryden represents the best qualities of the Canadian Liberal tradition – a strong commitment to federalism and national unity, a focus on social justice, and an ability to engage with all groups in society.
