The Long Run: The Political Rise of John Turner
The Story
From track star to Rhodes Scholar, destiny seemed to have paved a golden path for John Napier Turner. Born with good looks and charisma to spare, the bilingual lawyer entered politics in the 1960s touted as Canada's answer to John F. Kennedy. But it would take more than two decades and a self-imposed political exile before he would have a chance to claim his crown as prime minister.
John Turner retires as Liberal leader
On the eve of his retirement as Liberal leader, John Turner discusses his successes, his failures and his enduring concern…
Mulroney battles Turner on free trade in 1988
An invigorated Turner takes on Brian Mulroney over his controversial free trade deal with the U.S.
Exposé of John Turner ‘written with acid’
A 1988 exposé on Turner raises controversial questions about the man and the politician.
Turner’s move against free trade: Brilliance or blunder?
Turner defends his move to ask the Liberal-dominated Senate to block Brian Mulroney's free trade deal.
“I had no option”: Turner flustered in 1984 election debate
Brian Mulroney takes the offensive in a televised debate.
Explaining the John Turner touch
A prominent Liberal and a women's rights activist react to Turner's 'proclivity for patting posteriors'.
John Turner: ‘A very tactile politician’
Turner's hands-on approach during the 1984 federal election campaign draws fire and raises questions.
Prime Minister John Turner
After close to a decade of self-imposed exile, Turner the lawyer returns to public life to claim the title of…
John Turner: King of the Hill
After nearly two decades, and eight years in exile, Turner returns to Ottawa as Prime Minister.
Behind the scenes at the 1984 Liberal leadership convention
A behind-the-scenes look at the drama and bitterness behind John Turner's win at the 1984 Liberal leadership convention.
John Turner: Destiny and determination to lead
How the handsome, British-born Turner leapt from early adversity to national attention in the 1950s.
John Turner: A most unusual politician
Longtime Turner confidants discuss his love of classical music, his need to please and his extreme, overriding caution.
John Turner’s gaffes and blunders on the campaign trail
CBC Radio's The House looks at John Turner's rusty start in the 1984 Liberal leadership race.
John Turner: ‘I haven’t seen any crown’
Turner sits down with Barbara Frum to discuss why his bid for the Liberal leadership is not simply a coronation.
John Turner: Back in the running
After years of political exile, Turner announces his much-anticipated bid to become Pierre Trudeau's successor.
The 195 Club: John Turner’s supporters
A look at the enduring legend of diehard Turner supporters who stuck with him until the bitter end during his…
Max Ferguson plays Santa with John Turner’s newsletters
Satirist Max Ferguson (as Santa Claus) thinks up new and more humourous uses for John Turner's controversial newsletters.
John Turner: John who?
Longtime Liberals at a national policy convention react to Turner's surprise decision to exit politics and the party.
John Turner writes his resignation
Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau responds to the enigmatic resignation of his finance minister John Turner.
John Turner: A surprise resignation
After seven tense years inside the Trudeau cabinet, John Turner shocks everyone by resigning his post as finance minister.
John Turner: ‘My time is now’
John Turner argues his case in front of delegates at the 1968 Liberal leadership convention.
John Turner, the contender
An intimate look at Liberal star John Turner; cabinet minister, family man and prime ministerial contender.
John Turner, from lawyer to Liberal
33-year-old rookie Liberal candidate Turner argues his case during a 1962 political broadcast.
John Turner: ‘Canada’s Kennedy’
A look at rookie Liberal candidate John Turner's 1962 campaign race for a Montreal riding.