Growing Pains & Reciprocity

Canada at turn of century small population with vast amounts of land occupied by Aboriginal peoples and Métis Feared American expansion in the west → aggressively sought new immigrants Previously Canada relied on immigration from British Isles and France – but these immigrants would not go out into the prairie and farm Clifford Sifton – Minister of the Interior, changed this plan Immigrants now desired → Eastern Europe, poor peasants

Clifford Sifton “I think a stalwart peasant in a sheep skin coat, born on the soil whose forefathers have been farmers for ten generations, with a stout wife and a half dozen children, is good quality”

Sifton’s ideal immigrant

“The Last Best West” Immigrants were attracted by offers of free land, and escape from religious persecution. Canada = opportunity for a better life Canada advertised this free land all over Europe – this campaign was very successful

The Promise…

…and the reality

Not all were welcome Racism and discrimination were very much a problem for new immigrants. African American immigrants were discouraged on grounds of being unfit for the cold harsh conditions After helping to build our railway, Chinese immigrants faced direct discrimination in the form of a Head Tax, which was increased from $100 in 1900 to $500 in 1903

Assimilation Increased immigration and expansion in west → conflict with First Nations Government established Residential Schools → Policy of Assimilation: “to take the indian out of the indian” Aboriginal Assimilation → ban on language, dress, cultural events and activities → Aboriginals lost cultural roots Unfortunately many of these schools grossly abused and/or neglected these children, severely scarring them emotionally and mentally. These schools continued to operate up to the late 1980s

Sir Wilfrid Laurier & Reciprocity

Background Late in the 19th century Britain had ended its reciprocity agreement with Canada, but Britain remained Canada’s most important trading partner Canadian economy expanding in early 1900’s Increased immigration Marquis Wheat West was prospering → world demand for wheat Central Canada was doing well → Industry & manufacturing, mixed agriculture Eastern Canada → world demand for fish & lumber

The National Policy Canada placed high tax (tariff) on foreign goods forcing Canadians to purchase Canadian made products This policy protected Canadian manfacturing jobs Tariffs hurt western farmers & Eastern fishermen

Reciprocity Reciprocity (free trade) with USA Laurier → Favoured reciprocity - Cheaper prices for products Greater variety of products Force Canadian companies to improve Reciprocity opposed by manufacturers in central Canada Canadian companies in central Canada would close American ‘branch plants’ would close Job losses → weaker economy Greater reliance on USA → annexation??

What does this cartoon represent?

In 1911 Laurier calls an election on the issue → losses to Robert Borden (conservative party) This marks the end of an era Borden rejects Reciprocity Agreement