Regionalism Minority Government Social Services 1920s Politics Regionalism Minority Government Social Services

Regionalism The concerns and needs of the various regions with their own local problems More pronounced in Canadian politics after WWI

The Maritimes 1920s Influence in national politics declining Small population meant few seats in parliament Want voter reform to better represent their needs in Parliament Coal Producing region No longer in demand

The Prairies and Rural Ontario Framers frustrated at the National Policy 1878 Forced to buy Canadian made machinery yet their agricultural products sold on open market Spending more than making Farmers want Free Trade Abolish tariffs and allow them to buy cheaper American machines Also want lower transport and storage rates

Quebec 1920s cheap labour and vast forests resulted in the expansion of Pulp and paper industry Sold to the US due to demand and proximity Took advantage of Hydroelectric power Liberal Party dominates Hostile towards conservatives over conscription and language rights

Western Interests Believed government was favouring the interests of Eastern Canada over the West Liberal Premier attacked Federal government over issue of Western Alienation Less seats in Parliament means less power for the west

growth in economics gave BC a stronger voice in government Communities grow around pulp and paper mills and mines Pacific ports could challenge Eastern Canada’s shipping industry By 1929 40% of Canada’s grain exported through BC 1920s BC Economics

1921 Election: Enter the Progressives Regional demands influenced the election! The Progressive Party Platform based upon the National Policy Called for free trade Nationalize the railway Became the second largest party in Canada Won 64 seats mostly in Western Canada

1921 Minority Government Liberals win a Minority Government Liberals now need support of the opposition (Progressives) to pass legislation Progressives have influence Canada’s FIRST minority government

Old Age Pension Act 1927 Progressives challenged PM King to set up Old Age Pension Act They have influence! The act acknowledged that the Government was responsible for providing social services to its citizens