Who was the first leader of the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), also serving as a Methodist minister and social worker?

• A. Tommy Douglas
• B. J. S. Woodsworth
• C. David Lewis
• D. Ernest Manning

Answer: (B)

The first leader of the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) was J. S. Woodsworth. He played a significant role in the founding of the CCF in 1932, which was established as a political party focused on addressing social injustices and advocating for democratic socialism in Canada. Woodsworth's background as a Methodist minister and social worker deeply informed his political beliefs and his commitment to social reform, making him a suitable leader for a party that sought to represent the interests of working-class Canadians and promote social welfare.

Woodsworth's leadership was pivotal during the formative years of the party, as he helped shape its policies and vision. His commitment to issues such as labor rights, social justice, and the welfare state resonated with many Canadians during a time of economic hardship in the 1930s. In contrast, while Tommy Douglas later became a prominent leader of the CCF and is often celebrated for his introduction of universal healthcare, he was not the first leader. David Lewis and Ernest Manning also played important roles in Canadian political history, but they were not the initial figure at the helm of the CCF.