By the end of 1941, Canadian industries were working overtime to produce war materials, leading to the elimination of unemployment.
Many Canadian factories transitioned to manufacturing military supplies, including guns, tanks, and armored vehicles.
The Department of Munitions and Supplies, led by C.D. Howe, controlled business production, sales, and delivery.
The Canadian government combated inflation through tax increases, forced savings, and the sale of Victory Bonds, raising over 8.8 billion for the war effort.
In 1941, wages and prices were frozen to prevent inflation, and food rationing was introduced in 1942.
Unemployment Insurance was introduced in 1940, and a Family Allowance in 1945, indicating successful economic management.
Women's Contribution to the War Effort
Over 1 million women took jobs across Canada in booming industries, including aircraft, munitions, and shipbuilding plants.
Thousands of Canadian women joined various women's branches of the armed forces, such as the Canadian Women's Army Corps (CWAC).
The Fight Over Conscription
At the beginning of the war, Prime Minister Mackenzie King promised no conscription for overseas combat.
In 1940, the National Resources Mobilization Act (NRMA) was implemented, allowing conscription for home defence.
By 1942, a plebiscite was held to release King from his promise against overseas conscription.
The conscription debate divided English and French Canadians, with Quebec opposing overseas conscription.
In 1944, after D-Day, King agreed to send conscripts to Europe, with 12,000 NRMA soldiers being sent, though few saw action.