Kaitlyn Hothi

In 1917, the federal government decided to conscript young men for the military overseas. Waiting for men to sign up and join the miliatry was not working to maintain troops. Prime Minister Sir Robert Borden thought there was many values and potential in post-war influence. French Canadians, farmers and non british immigrants opposed the measure. English speaking Canadians, or british immigrants genrally supported it. All provinces execpt Quebec voted for conscription. The conscription brought up many other issues that the government had to deal with like; language education, religion and rights for women. Many anti-conscription advocates supported the war and not all pro conscrition advocates used their voice to argue for it. Many debates cames out of this. The debate for conscription went through most of 1917 and 1918. The legislation was passed in late August. This law forced all men ages 20-45 subject to the military service if called upon in time of war. Conscription was th main issue in the federal election at the time. It caused problems between conservative Robert Borden and Liberal Sir. Wilferd Laurier. Laurier oppsed conscription but supported the war.The wartime elections act chnged everything on who could vote, it allowed women to vote for the first time. It didn't allow any recent immigrants from any enemy country to vote unless they had family in the military. Robert Borden was victorious with more than 90% of military votes being unionist. French-Canadians still protested against the conscription, thousands of men came together to protest and not register for the military leaving many injured. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canadian Culture Online. "Recruitment and Conscription - Conscription, 1917 | Canada and the First World War." Canada and the First World War Conscription 1917 Comments. Accessed February 26, 2016. http://www.warmuseum.ca/firstworldwar/history/life-at-home-during-the-war/recruitment-and-conscription/conscription-1917/.

 

"Canadian Leaders - Sir Wilfrid Laurier | Canada and the First World War." Canada and the First World War Sir Wilfrid Laurier Comments. Accessed February 26, 2016. http://www.warmuseum.ca/firstworldwar/history/people/canadian-leaders/sir-wilfrid-laurier/.

 

3. "Canada's First World War Experience." Canadas First World War Experience. Accessed February 26, 2016. http://vimyridgehistory.com/kit-3/gov/consciption/military-service-act/.