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

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.

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.)

JS Woodsworth

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

governmentBut, still, in 1935 Aberhartbecame premier of Alberta.

William “Bible Bill” Aberhart

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

Maurice Duplessis