Who is known for proposing the Canadian Bill of Rights?

The Canadian Bill of Rights, which was a monumental piece of legislation in Canadian history, was proposed by John Diefenbaker during his time as Prime Minister. Introduced in 1960, this bill was the first federal law in Canada to protect individual rights and freedoms, including the right to freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, as well as the right to a fair trial. Diefenbaker believed strongly in the importance of safeguarding civil liberties, reflecting his commitment to a more just society.

This legislation laid the groundwork for the later development of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982, which expanded and enshrined various rights and freedoms in Canadian law. The other options, while significant figures in Canadian politics, were not directly responsible for the establishment of the Canadian Bill of Rights. Pierre Trudeau is associated with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Wilfrid Laurier was primarily known for his leadership before Diefenbaker, and Lester B. Pearson's contributions were focused more on social welfare and international peace than on the rights legislation initiated by Diefenbaker.