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Spanish Influenza Epidemic
The "Spanish Influenza Epidemic" killed over 30 million people including 50 000 Canadians. The outbreak of the virus at the time started in Halifax when servicemen arrived on the ship Araguaya. -
The Winnipeg General Strike
The "Winnipeg General Strike" between May 15 and June 25, 1919 is the largest strike in Canadian history. Over 30 000 workers from factories, shops, transit, and city services shut down as workers left their jobs. The strike caused a lot of chaos resulting in arrests, injuries, and the deaths of two protesters. The strike united over time the working class which some of its participants established what we know now as the New Democratic Party. -
The Persons Case
A group of five women activists known as the "Famous Five" petitioned the federal government to ask the Supreme Court if it was constitutionally possible for women to be appointed as senators. The law traditionally defined a "person" as a male. At first the court ruled against that women are not "persons" the decision was reversed in 1929. It meant that women could no longer be denied rights. The Persons Case marks a significant milestone in the history of fighting for women's rights in Canada. -
Pier 21 Opens
Pier 21 was an immigration depot on the harbourfront in Halifax from 1928 to 1971. Prior to Pier 21 opening immigration was on the rise but no sooner was Pier 21 opened immigration began to decrease. Canadian immigration dropped from almost 105 000 due to the Great Depression with less jobs available. -
The Stock Market Crash
The American stock market crash began the great depression which greatly affected the Canadian economy. In Toronto and Montreal liquidation records were set. Billions of dollars were lost on the Canadian stock exchange. Farms in the West were devastated by erosion but also by droughts and plagues of insects. This crisis inspired the creation of social welfare programs. -
CRBC Established
The Canadian Radio Broadcasting Commission was publicly funded after the Parliament passed an Act. The only available programs to Canadians were from the US before the CRBC. -
CCF Founded
The Co-operative Commonwealth Federation was founded in Calgary to help Canadians affected by the Great Depression. The CCF was the first major democratic socialist movement in Canada. It had a profound effect on the Canadian political landscape. -
Jewish Refugees Denied Entry into Canada
On June 6, Canada denied entry of 907 Jewish refugees aboard the MS St. Louis. The ship returned to Europe and lost 254 of its passengers in the Holocaust. Canada admits the lowest number of refugees during the Second World War among developed nations. Canada didn't apologize until 2018. -
Canada Declares War on Germany
Canada declared war on Germany 7 days after Britain and France. Canada declared war on Germany because they realized that Nazi Germany threatened the existence of Western civilization. This is how Canada got involved in the Second World War. -
Air Training Plan Established
The British Commonwealth Air Training was established. It ran from 1940-45 and trained 131, 000 airman. A Canadian contribution to the victory in the Second World War.
