1929: William Lyon Mackenzie King is PM Felt the crash was a normal part of the business cycle Believed the government should not intervene in the economy Calls an election in 1930

Leader of the Conservatives: R.B. Bennett Campaigns across Canada promising to take action Bennett promises jobs for everyone willing to work, and high tariffs to protect Canadian industry

"I propose that any government of which I am the head will at the first session of parliament initiate whatever action is necessary to that end, or perish in the attempt." – R.B. Bennett, June 9, 1930.

The Five Cent Piece Speech King, in response to provincial governments’ requests for relief funding, said he would not give any Tory governments “a five-cent piece”

Bennett and the Conservatives win a majority in the 1930 election

Bennett’s Policies Also reluctant to interfere with the economy, but does keep his promises Relief Acts set aside millions of $ for emergency relief and, in 1932, create the relief camp system Raises tariffs on imported goods

But Bennett’s policies are not effective... Unemployment peaks by 1933 Bennett begins to gradually increase government intervention in the economy: 1934 – created Bank of Canada to regulate monetary policy 1935 – established Canadian Wheat Board to regulate wheat prices 1935 – introduced unemployment benefits

“Bennett Buggies”

Bennett’s 1935 “New Deal” – Abandons his former policies – New social programs – unemployment insurance, minimum wage, regulation of working conditions, health and accident insurance, old age pension, agricultural support programs – Goes against his former support of unregulated capitalism – critics said he was making a “deathbed conversion” to win the election

Letters to Bennett Read the handout with letters addressed to Bennett, and answer questions 1-7 with an elbow partner.

Class Debate 2 Sides For Bennett Vs. Against In your groups support your argument for either being for or against Prime Minister Bennett using Spotlight textbook or any resources learned in class etc. Write down on large piece of paper.

Relief Camps As provinces and municipalities were overwhelmed with the need for relief, the federal government stepped in and created relief camps for unemployed single males – the transients who had been riding the rods!

On-to-Ottawa Trek The On-to-Ottawa Trek was a long journey where thousands of unemployed men protested the dismal conditions in federal relief camps scattered in remote areas across Western Canada. The men lived and worked in these camps at a rate of twenty cents per day before walking out on strike in April 1935.

Regina Riot The Regina Riot was the culmination of months of protests as thousands of unemployed men moved across the country in what became known at the "On To Ottawa Trek.” The men wanted to coerce the federal government into finding them jobs.

Debate Question: Did Prime Minister Bennett succeed in helping struggling Canadians during the Great Depression?