Who s this? Why is he on the $5 bill? first French-Canadian Prime Minister Elected in 1896 Liberal Spoke french and english Wanted to bring the French and English sides together The Manitoba Schools Question: French Canadians outvoted the Conservatives Beginning of Canadian Multiculturalism What languages and religions are present in Manitoba? What language should children be taught in at school? Should there be religious classes? What does this cartoon show? What is Laurier doing? Who is the other man? In 1890 the government of Manitoba decided to make all public schools teach in English. They also decided to take out Catholic religious instruction. This
became a big political issue. The Conservative political party was against this move, as were French Canadians. Wilfrid Laurier represented the Liberal party. He won the election, and proposed a compromise that allowed Catholic and French education in schools in which there were enough French and Roman Catholic students to need it. British Imperialism and the Boer War: In 1899, Britain tried to extend its control in South Africa because gold and diamonds were discovered there Descendants of Dutch (from Holland) colonists called Boers resisted, leading to war. Britain called on its colonies for help to fight the Boers. Imperialist Canadians supported sending troops, but French Canadians did not want to get involved. Laurier compromised again: he agreed to send only volunteer soldiers (soldiers that wanted to go) Why would French and English speaking Canadians have different opinions on supporting a British overseas war? What is imperialism? Life during the Laurier Era During Laurier s time in office, Canada s economy began to see great prosperity, and world prices and markets began to expand for Canadian products. What are Canada s industries? Lumber Hydro Electricity Farming Mining Factories Shipping Better shipping technology combined with lower freight rate helped the export of Canadian goods
New technologies in production allowed for Canada to make the most of its natural resources. The CPR allowed for expansion West, and helped the industrial boom reach BC. Who was doing well economically? Who was not doing as well? Urban Life in the Laurier Era While some Canadians were making a lot of money, and doing well for themselves, many new Canadians were not: - Many immigrants coming to the cities could speak little English. - Many were pushed into unsafe, low-paying factory jobs. - A lot of the immigrants lived in ghettos: crowded two room buildings with little heat, fresh air, or water. - Disease was common because of the poor living conditions. Most people found work as unskilled labourers. Pay was $10-$15 a week, working 10-12 hour days, and six days a week. The working conditions were usually poor. Job security did not exist. Most incomes were spent on housing and food. People did not have a lot of extra money to spend. Lots of families had children that worked to help out, which in turn resulted in no education for them and neglect from the parents because of the long working hours. At this time the government did not feel responsible for the poor, or any type of social welfare programs.the poor relied on each other, and charitable organizations for help. Would this situation remain the same?what has changed in Canada today? What type of organizations would develop because of the dramatic differences between workers and business owners? The Rise of Labour Unions: Canada was prosperous, but the prosperity of the time was something that was not shared around equally. A few major corporate giants controlled a majority
of the industry and finance of the country. i.e. Imperial Oil, Massey-Harris, and Dunsmuir Coal. Many flaunted their wealth and built huge mansions and homes for themselves. i.e. Dunsmuir Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria. Few people in the population were able to see any of the money in these companies, and their wealth sharply contrasted that of the poor working class people.workers began to look for their share in the wealth they generated for the owners of the businesses. Labour unions began to arise between 1880-1910. Approx. 10% of all workers joined a union during this time. It was not easy to organize and be in a union, the unions faced: Employers can easily replace workers The Government favors rich owners (donations to political parties) The legal system favors rich owners (Lawyers are in the same SEO class) Companies have private police to deal with protestors or any disturbance to work/ people that want to go on strike From this political cartoon - What does a union do? How can it make life better for workers?
Vancouver Island Coal Miner Strike: Between 1910 and WWI, there were a number of different violent confrontations that erupted between employers and workers. At the Dunsmuir Mines, workers went on strike to protest safety (gas explosions had killed hundred) and for their bosses to recognize their union. The company locked them out and hired workers from China and recruits from Britain and the US as strikebreakers. By spring 1913, 3500 miners from Nanaimo, Extension, S Wellington and Ladysmith were off work, the United Mine Workers of America providing leadership and strike pay. That summer, a fourth company, the Vancouver and Nanaimo Coal Co, settled with its employees, but not before rioting had broken out in all the coal towns. Peace was restored when the BC government sent in 1000 militiamen, but many strikers spent the second winter in jail. Withdrawal of strike pay in the summer of 1914 and the beginning of WWI ended the confrontation. By then the mines were running at almost pre-strike capacity using newly hired labour. Why did the beginning of WWI end the strike? Where did most of the men go? o