The “New Deal” Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) became

U.S. president in 1932, introduced “New Deal”

FDR’s New Deal:Government intervention in the economy

(public works)Better welfare for the unemployed and poor,Change the banking systemAlso reduced trade tariffs to restore

international trade

Canadian PM R.B. Bennett, a staunch conservative and

capitalist, eventually realized he needed to do something too.

1935 - promises to introduce: progressive taxation, stronger labour laws, unemployment insurance, etc.

Despite his last minute promises, Bennett lost 1935 election to Mackenzie King and the Liberals.

Initially Cdns disillusioned by voices of Conservative and Liberal parties (w/ exception of Progressive Party during the 1920s)

New parties now began to form, mainly regional in nature

CCF (Cooperative Commonwealth Federation)

Led by J.S. Woodsworth Canada’s first socialist political party

(HS) 1932 Founded in Calgary Rejected capitalism

(Private ownership)

1933- The Regina Manifesto outlined the party platform:

Replace pure capitalism with a system of government planning and services

Government would take over certain institutions, industries and create pensions, health insurance, unemployment insurance, worker’s compensation, etc.

Eventually, the CCF became the NDP

Social Credit Party

Right wing party (Provincial) Also from Alberta Founded by “Bible Bill” Aberhart

The Social Credit party felt the problem was that people didn’t have enough money to spend, so the government should give everyone $25/month to stimulate the economy.

Won the 1935 provincial election in Alberta

Union Nationale

In Quebec, Maurice Duplessis founded U.N. in 1935 to fight the depression

Mainly conservative with some former liberals, Quebec nationalists

Supported by medium sized businesses, non-union labour, and the Catholic Church

1936- Duplessis won landslide provincial election and basically controlled Quebec until 1959

Duplessis ruled ‘with an iron fist’Became a friend of big businessDefended the Catholic churchFought anyone he thought was his enemyEven allowed Quebec workers to be

exploited by American companies.

Created the ‘padlock’ law—allowed him to close any building suspected of being used for ‘communist meetings’

Used ‘communist’ to mean anyone opposed to him or his policies.