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This gallery traces the fortunes of the leaders of Canada's Liberal Party from its beginnings, through its greatest triumphs to its crushing defeats.

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Alexander Mackenzie (circa 1873). Canada's second Prime Minister from 1873 to 1878.

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EDWARD BLAKE. 1875 Second Premier of Ontario. He became leader of the federal Liberal Party in 1880 but lost the elections of 1882 and 1887. He resigned the leadership in 1887 - the only Liberal leader who never became prime minister. Hon. Dominick Edward Blake, MP. (Bruce, S.) b. Dec. 13, 1833 - d. Mar. 1, 1912. Dated taken: Feb. 1875, Ottawa. Credit: William James Topley Studio/Library and Archives Canada. PA-025402 NB: SMALL FILE SIZE

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Sir Wilfrid Laurier (shown), Canada's first French Canadian prime minister pronouced some 93 years ago that the future was ours. Canadians heading to the polls next month might need some reminding this could be the last federal election of the 20th century.The Canadian Press

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William Lyon Mackenzie King, portrait. c. early 1940sLibrary of Congress

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Photo of former Prime Minister of Canada, Louis St. Laurent (CP PHOTO) undated.The Canadian Press

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Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, 1973. (CP Photo)The Canadian Press

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Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau addresses media 23 October 1974 in Paris in front of a Canadian flag. The former Canadian premier died at his home in Montreal 28 September 2000 at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy as a charismatic politician who stood firm on bringing the nation together. AFP PHOTO/FILESSTF/AFP / Getty Images

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Prime Minister John Turner gestures while being sworn in as Canada's 17th prime Minister in Ottawa on June 30, 1984 CP PhotoThe Canadian Press

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Edward Regan/The Globe and Mail

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Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin addresses supporters at his campaign headquarters, 23 January 2006. Martin has decided to represent his riding but will not lead the liberal party into the next election after losing the election to the conservative party of Canada. AFP PHOTO/PETER MCCABE (Photo credit should read Peter McCabe/AFP/Getty Images)Peter McCabe/AFP / Getty Images

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Federal Liberal leader Stephane Dion speaks during an interview on Parliament Hill following Prime Minister Stephen Harper's federal election call in Ottawa Sunday, Sept. 7,2008. Canadians will vote in a federal election Tuesday Oct. 14, 2008. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean KilpatrickSean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press

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Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff talks to reporters after chairing a meeting of his caucus on Parliament Hill in Ottawa Wednesday February 16, 2011. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Fred ChartrandFRED CHARTRAND/The Canadian Press

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