Canadian Internment in WWI

Question 1

What was the War Measures Act?

Answer 1

• In 1914, Prime Minister Borden passed the War Measures Act
• War Measures Act: Gave emergency powers to the federal gov to limit the rights and freedoms of Canadians during the times of “war, invasion, or insurrection (violent rebellion to overthrow gov)
  Was only to be used during emergencies and only when Canada was at war
  Used 3 times (both world wars and the 1970 FLQ Crisis in Quebec)
• Included the following provisions:
  Take away all basic, democratic, and legal rights (including a fair trial)
  Arrest, detain, exclude, and deport without a warrant and without just cause
  Censor and control all media and communication
  Control all harbors, ports, and waters of Canada
  Limit land, air, and railway travel
  Control trade, exports, imports, production, and manufacturing
  Appropriate (take), control, and dispose of property

Question 2

Immigration in Canada

Answer 2

• Late 1800s to 1914: Approx 170 00 Ukrainians immigrated to Canada
  Offered free land and a better life on the Canadian prairies
• Approx 150 000 people of German descent in Canada in 1914
  Most settle on farms

Question 3

What are Enemy Aliens?

Answer 3

• Canada issued an order for the registration of individuals who were considered to be of “enemy nationality”
  Included Germany and Austria
  Many Ukrainians and other East European immigrants were described as Austrian “enemy aliens”

Question 4

How did discrimination begin?

Answer 4

• Production of foreign newspapers were banned
• Immigration from Ukraine, Germany, and Austria-Hungary was completely cut off

Question 5

WWI internment

Answer 5

• Internment: The imprisonment or confinement of people, commonly in large groups, without trial
• Ukrainian/German Internment:
  Homes and possessions were seized
  Internment people had to work as laborers for no wage
  Treatment continued even after the war ended
• Small # of internees were deported to Europe after the war
  “Dangerous Foreigners”
  Labor radicals
  Troublesome internees
• 109 died of various diseases and injuries
• 6 were killed trying to escape

Question 6

How were immigrants tracked?

Answer 6

• 80 000 people forced to carry identity documents
  Regular reports to gov authorities
• 9 000 men, women, and children were interned
  24 internment camps across Canada
  5 000 were Ukrainian

Question 7

What were the long-term Effects on Citizens?

Answer 7

• Most labor camos were run for two years after the war ended
• “Enemy aliens” had several restrictions
  Could not leave the country without exit permits
  Could not join political movements
  Had to register with the federal gov
  Firearns bans

Question 8

What is the Persons of Ukrainian Origin Recognition Act, 2005?

Answer 8

• Provided recognition for Ukrainian-Candians interned in WWI
• Commemorative plaques
• Public education materials
• Commemorative stamps