Canada in the 1930s

Question 1

relief camps

Answer 1

They were set up by Bennett in 1932 for the men who left their families and homes in search of work in other parts of the country. These men would jump on moving trains to go to another place to find work.

Question 2

relief camp worker’s protest Spring 1935

Answer 2

April
1,500 men from BC relief camps go on strike
Went to Vancouver to protest

May 1st
20,000 striking men march through Vancouver.
Suggested the strikers take their message to Ottawa to the PM himself!

Question 3

On to Ottawa trek

Answer 3

strikers climbed onto trains to head to Ottawa, but since they had no money, they had to “ride the rails” and luckily train employees were sympathetic and let them ride for free.

Question 4

Government response to On to Ottawa trek

Answer 4

PM Bennett was scared and believed the trek had to be stopped. 2000 trekkers arrived in Regina and were stopped plus rounded up in exhibition grounds

Question 5

Regina riot 1935

Answer 5

The trekkers held a meeting in Regina’s market square, but Bennett ordered RCMP and city police to break the crowd. The riot injured 130 and killed 1. By then, the on-to-Ottawa trek was over.