Canada and WWII- War on the Home Front

Canada's Economy

More people working, so there's more money to spend. But since goods are restricted because of war, inflation occurs. Lots of money but few goods.

Working Women

Labor shortage, so women work like in WWI. Government subsidized building daycares and dormitories near the factories, so more women could work.

A minister hired by King to prevent inflation. He tried to get people to spend money on war bonds instead of goods, and succeeded. Inflation still happened.

Ilsley

1941

All wages and prices frozen

1942

King imposes food rations. Generous compared to Britain's.

Worker's Unions

1944, government legalizes workers unions, stopping companies from banning them

Social Change

People want the government to interfere with their lives like during the war, and government implements social aid, like unemployment insurance.

NRMA

National Resources Mobilization Act

What is NRMA?

Requires all people to serve in war effort, but don't have to go overseas.

Conscription?

After pressure from Allied leaders, King hosts a plebiscite to see whether the public would agree to him introducing conscription after he promised not to. Only Quebec strongly disagreed.

King's Slogan

Not necessarily conscription, but conscription if necessary.

Conscription Introduced

1941, too many troops lost and new soldiers needed now. Despite riots, people are conscripted, but very few reach the front lines.

Canada's Economy after the war

Production increased (to supply Allies with goods), which had created tons of new jobs. GDP increases, and production becomes the most important industry. Industrial cities later attract many immigrants.

Identity Buildings

WWII made Canada a major player on the world stage.

Canadian Independence

King asked Parliament to decide whether Canada should join the war, rather than just following Britain.

King's Promise

To get Quebec's support, King promises to not introduce conscription.

Reasons to Enlist

People volunteered because of loyalty to Britain or Canada, and because of the pay. The depression had taken many jobs.