New Political Parties in Canada

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.)

4. JS Woodsworth

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.

6. William “Bible Bill” Aberhart

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

8. Maurice Duplessis