William Lyon Mackenzie King (17 December 1874 - 22 July 1950) was prime minister of Canada 1921–26, 1926–30 and 1935–48 Leader of the Liberal Party 1919-48. King was the dominant political figure in an era of major changes. As Canada’s longest-serving prime minister, King steered Canada through industrialization, much of the Great Depression, and the Second World War. By the time he left office, Canada had achieved greater independence from Britain and a stronger international voice, and had implemented policies such as unemployment insurance in response to industrialization, economic distress, and changing social realities.

King, the grandson of William Lyon Mackenzie, graduated from the University of Toronto in 1895 obtaining three degrees. He then studied economics at Chicago and Harvard. In 1900 he became Canada's first deputy minister of labour.

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