A lawyer by training, well known for his defence of the "little man," Diefenbaker entered politics and became a strong proponent of Western Canadian ideas in the Conservative Party. Elected party leader in 1956, he served as prime minister from 1957 to 1963, remaining influential in federal politics until his death. In addition to displays on his life and works, the centre features a replica of the office of the prime minister and the cabinet chamber as they existed in the Diefenbaker era.