World War II turns Canada into an industrial power, and creates a mass trade-union movement. Mackenzie King responds with unemployment insurance and full legal status for unions. In 1944, the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation comes to power in Saskatchewan, under Tommy Douglas, the first socialist government in North America. With the formation of the Canadian Labour Congress in 1956, CCF and CLC energies are directed toward the formation of the New Democratic Party in 1961. Part 3 of the series.
Warnings: War footage
What factors contributed to the growth in union membership at the start of World War II? How does propaganda play into the events of this film? What was the strategy behind the government policy of the “baby bonus”? What has the lasting impact of baby bonuses been? How did the cult of personality help or hinder the political progress of the New Democratic Party and other groups featured in this documentary? What impact have politicians like Tommy Douglas had on Canadian ideals and society as we see it today?