Part 3: Regionalism in the 1920’s

A New Challenge to Federalism Regionalism: a concern for the affairs of one’s own region over those of one’s country. After WW1 regionalism became more pronounced in Canadian politics. People cared more about their local problems and prosperity, than the problems and prosperity of Canada.

The Maritimes During the 1920’s, the Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island) found that their influence in national politics was declining. The population in the Maritimes was small, so they had few seats in parliament. Business and political leaders formed the Maritime Rights movement to promote policies that would benefit them.

The Prairies and Rural Ontario Farmers from the prairies and rural Ontario were frustrated by tariffs (taxes) being put on foreign goods that entered Canada. They wanted free-trade, abolishing tariffs and allowing them to buy cheaper American-made machinery. Farmers formed their own political parties and got members elected to Provincial legislatures.

Quebec Quebec’s proximity to the U.S. led to rapid growth in many of Quebec’s industries Quebec took advantage of its natural resources, such as timber, minerals and used its rivers to produce hydro-electric power. As Quebec’s industries expanded, so did its desire to protect its own interests. This created a pro-Liberal Party attitude, because the party was believed to care for Quebec’s interests.

Western Interests For most of the 1920’s politicians in B.C often criticized the Federal government of favouring the interests of Eastern Canada. B.C’s forests and mines were in demand and Vancouver was becoming a major port. Western politicians travelled to Ottawa to fight for better business conditions. By the end of the decade 40% of Canada’s grain was exported through B.C

Canada’s Growing Independence In 1921 Canada elected a new Prime Minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King. He continued to push for greater independence from Britain.

Canada’s Growing Independence The Chanak Crisis: Mackenzie King refused Britain’s call for support when British troop were threatened by nationalist Turks in Turkey. The Halibut Treaty: Canada negotiated a treaty with the U.S to protect the halibut fishing industry. Mackenzie King insisted that Canada be allowed to sign the treaty without Britain’s involvement. The King-Byng Crisis: Mackenzie King publically challenged Britain over the role of the governor general and Britain’s influence on Canada’s politics.