1. Mind’s On – Labour Review
What is a union?
What do they want?
Was the Bennett New Deal a positive response to the Great Depression?
What were relief camps?
What was the Social Credit Party?

2. Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF)
Formed in 1932 by a mixture of farmers, teachers, MP’s, labour groups, etc. This group was largely inspired by socialism
Led by James Woodsworth, who was arrested for being part of the Winnipeg General Strike

3. First proposed the idea of the ‘welfare state’, which means that society should protect citizens from extreme hard times
Was renamed the New Democratic Party (NDP) in 1961, now one of the major Canadian parties

4. On to Ottawa trek
Inquiry Question: How did Canada respond to the economic crisis of the 30s?

5. Think share
If you are being treated unfairly in the workplace what are your options?

6. Building a timeline
Remember the concept of Cause and Consequence – When one thing happens (Cause) a number of things can be the result (Consequence)
A job of the historian is to organize those events logically – To consider the sequence and rationalize consequences
In this activity you will look at a series of points and in a group attempt to determine the order based on what you believe to be the most logical
Cut the event cards on your sheet out and make a timeline
As we go through them as a class make sure you have the right sequence
Afterwards take a picture – that’s your note!

7. The On to Ottawa Trek
Relief camp workers were upset about the conditions of the camps
Although they were not supposed to unionize or organize, many did

8. In April 1935, 1500 men from BC’s relief camps went to Vancouver to go on strike
By May over 20,000 were supporting them
Vancouver did not have relief funds and wanted them out

9. Over 1000 strikers decided to ride the rails and take their message to Bennett in Ottawa
They gained support with each stop across the prairies
The government was terrified of a possible Communist uprising

10. The Trekkers were stopped in Regina, Sask.
Only 8 leaders were allowed to continue to Ottawa
Bennett refused to listen to their demands and they were turned back

11. The Regina Riots
On July 1, Trekkers still in Regina were holding a meeting
They were attacked by the RCMP

12. Aftermath of the Regina Riot
The Trekkers were sent back to BC (with government money)
Bennett heavily criticized for how he handled situation
Camps were shut down within a year, welfare system and EI began

13. Cause and consequence: Inquiry Questions
Write an answer to the question you have on your worksheet. After, meet with a classmate that has the opposite question and a) discuss and b) copy down their answer.
Was the On to Ottawa Trek a success? Consider both short term and long term consequences.
Is there any way to connect the Winnipeg General Strike to the On to Ottawa Trek?

14. Historical Significance
Once again – our right to assemble and freedom of speech had been shut down by the government
From now on, we will expect more and demand more from our government.
Government response – the creation of the welfare state

15. Wrap Up – On a Scale Of…
Put a check beside the appropriate number in response to: On a scale of 1-10 how important is it to remember the On To Ottawa Trek?