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

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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 % of Canada’s grain exported through BC
1920s BC Economics

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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