Government Policy - The Great Depression

Question 1

What were the government policies?

Answer 1

1. Limited Relief Programs:

Initially, the government under Prime Minister R.B. Bennett believed that the economic downturn would be temporary and that local governments and charities could manage the crisis.
As the situation worsened, the federal government established limited relief programs to provide aid to unemployed Canadians. Relief often came in the form of vouchers for food, fuel, and rent rather than cash.

2. Unemployment Relief Camps:
   In 1932, the government created unemployment relief camps for single, unemployed men. These camps were operated by the Department of National Defence and provided shelter, food, and work at extremely low wages (20 cents per day).
   The camps were often located in remote areas, and the working conditions were harsh, leading to frustration among the workers.
3. Public Works Projects:
   The government launched public works projects to create jobs, including road construction, building bridges, and other infrastructure projects.
   While this provided some employment, it did not significantly reduce overall unemployment.
4. The New Deal:
   In 1935, under mounting pressure, R.B. Bennett introduced a series of reforms inspired by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal.
   These included unemployment insurance, a minimum wage, and limits on working hours. However, many of these reforms were blocked or delayed by provincial governments and the courts.

Question 2

How did Canadians react?

Answer 2

1. Protest Movements:

Discontent with the government’s response led to widespread protests. One of the most significant was the On-to-Ottawa Trek in 1935.
Thousands of unemployed men from relief camps boarded trains to Ottawa to demand better wages and working conditions. The protest ended violently in the Regina Riot, where police clashed with demonstrators.

2. Labour Strikes and Demonstrations:

Workers across Canada organized strikes and marches to protest poor working conditions and low wages.
In cities like Vancouver, unemployed workers staged demonstrations, including the occupation of government buildings.

3. Political Change:

Frustration with the traditional political parties led to the rise of new political movements.
The Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), founded in 1932, advocated for socialist policies and government intervention in the economy.
The Social Credit Party in Alberta also gained support, promoting monetary reform and direct financial aid to citizens.

4. Community Support:

Many Canadians relied on informal networks of support, such as soup kitchens and mutual aid societies. Churches, charities, and local communities played a vital role in providing relief.
In summary, the Canadian government’s response to the Great Depression was widely viewed as inadequate, leading to protests, political shifts, and increased demands for social reforms.