Conscription In Canada

Tension on the Home Front

After his visit to England, Prime Minister Robert Borden, deeply moved by the plight of the wounded soldiers there, became convinced of the need for more men. He promised to send 500 000 more, and through this act the bill for conscription came about, dealing another blow to the already fragile Canadian Unity. Even in parliament the tensions ran high, with the liberal party opposing the move for conscription. However, Borden held his ground, quoting, "All citizens are liable for the defence of their country, and I conceive the battle for Canadian Liberty and autonomy is being fought on the plains of France and Belgium." A month later, the Military Service Act had passed in August 29, 1917.

When the bill was passed, many groups did support it saying that former government recruitment attempts had failed. Among the supporting groups were English Canadians, Protestant churches, and the Canadian National Service League. This league was formed from 60 different recruiting associations, with the mandate to support whatever was needed to keep up Canada's war effort.

However, the bill only worsened the feeling of national unity, with Quebec and French Canadians strongly opposing the bill. Riots broke out in Montreal as a result of this. Most French Canadians saw the war as a foreign affair, and saw no need to support Britain. The trade and labour congress worried about losing labour. Farmers out west were also opposed, and felt that without extra labour, they could not keep up with Canada's food demand.

Conscription was a heavily contested topic, and the tension carried over into federal elections. Borden won by a slim majority, due to the fact that he allowed soldiers, and their wives, mothers, and sisters, to vote.

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A School Link Article. Courtesy of Robb, Amanda, Elysha, Josh, Esha, and Wade, The Dr. G,W.Williams S.S., April 11, 1999 .