1. Laurier Era

2. Turning a Corner
The election of 1896 is considered a turning point in Canadian history as 20 years of Conservative rule came to an end
Liberal Majority
First French Canadian Prime Minister Wilfred Laurier

3. Wilfred Laurier French Canadian
Wanted to promote national unity and protect Canada’s world interests
Promoted compromise
Had to address
French and English tensions
Canada’s relationship with Britain and the US

4. Manitoba Schools Question
Under the Manitoba Act 1870, equal rights were given to English Protestant and French Catholic schools
However English now the majority population and pressured the government to change language laws
Resulted in the Manitoba Schools Act which removed government support for Catholic Schools
French were outraged

5. Laurier Attempted Compromise
Manitoba Schools Act Compromises
Upon request French instruction would be allowed in any school with at least 10 French students
No government funding for Catholic School Board
Catholic religious instruction would be allowed for ½ hour at the end of day
French were not happy and felt that they had given up more than the English

6. Alaska Boundary Dispute
The Alaska boundary dispute took place between Canada and the US over the boundary of the Alaska Panhandle and the coast of British Columbia.
US purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867
Both the US and Canada wanted control of The Lynn Canal as this gave access to the Yukon where gold was discovered in 1896

7. US 1 Canada 0
Britain (still controlled Canada’s foreign policy) did not want conflict with the US
Fighting Boer War in South Africa
It was resolved by an international tribunal in which awarded the territory to the US
Canadians outraged as half of BC coast was cut off

8. Immigration and Urbanization
Most immigrants encouraged to settle the Prairies, but most attracted to cities due to jobs in manufacturing
Hard life
Many lived in ghettos
One or 2 room apartments often lacking heat and electricity
Spoke little English
Worked for low wages

9. The prosperity of industry and capitalism was in stark contrast to the poverty of the working class

10. The Labour Movement
As the gap between rich and poor widened, the working class began to demand a greater share in the prosperity they helped create
Many working class immigrants came from countries with strong labour unions

11. A Difficult Struggle
Workers who attempt to organize unions fired along with anyone who was participated
Still an issue today
Unskilled workers are easily replaced
Government supported industry not unions
Private police hired by companies to monitor and intervene