1. New Political Parties in Canada
As the Depression continued, people
became angry with the Liberals and the
Conservatives, so they looked for new
leaders and formed new political
parties
2. 1. Communist Party of Canada
Blamed the Depression on
“big business” making profit at the expense
of the workers and poor
Urged Canadians to
take up arms and fight against the
government, then take over businesses
Tried to help to organize workers in unions,
but some of its leaders were arrested and the
party got little support.
3. 2. Co-operative Commonwealth Federation
(CCF) (Later became NDP)
Founded in the Prairie provinces by
farmers, workers and labour unions in 1932
Leader – JS Woodsworth – MP since 1921
Wrote the Regina Manifesto outlining the CCF platform
Believed that capitalism causes inequality and greed and
helped cause the Depression.
Believed the government should
own key industries and share the profits with the
people. (First major socialist party in Canada)
(In 1939, became Opposition in British Columbia and
Saskatchewan.)
Believed in a welfare state, so supported social programs
that would
help people who need money (eg homeless, elderly,
unemployed, disabled, sick etc.)
5. 3. Social Credit Party (Socreds)
Formed in Alberta.
Leader – William “Bible Bill” Aberhart
Believed in Social Credit Theory –
government should give everyone money
(social credit), so they could spend it and
get the economy going again.
Promised each person
$25 a month to buy necessities.
This was not allowed by the federal
government
But, still, in 1935 Aberhart
became premier of Alberta.
7. 4. Union Nationale
In power in Quebec from 1936 to 1959
Leader
Maurice Duplessis – former Conservative
His party was:
Quebec nationalist and
supported by Roman Catholic Church and rural
(country) voters
Blamed Quebec’s problems on
the English minority, which controlled Quebec’s
economy, and the federal government.
Duplessis promised many reforms, but once in power, he
became a friend of big business, exploited workers, did
little to improve conditions in Quebec and came down hard
on anyone who opposed him.
Passed the Padlock Law in 1937. Made legal for RCMP
to search any place suspected of communism