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Female unemployment during the Great Depression
CONTINUITY: Despite a short stint of employment during the first world war, once the men returned home women across Canada were once again sent home to be housewives letting the men get back to work. This was only heightened in the Great Depression when jobs became even more scarce, the few positions available were reserved for the many desperate men looking for work while the women stayed home taking care of the family with what little money the men were able to provide. -
Dust bowl ravages farmers during the depression
CHANGE: Beginning right when the Great Depression struck most of the world, the prairie provinces where most of Canada's produce is grown, experienced the worst drought in recent times. Farmers across the region were left with no, or greatly reduced crop yield alongside treacherous dust storms, resulting in many farmers being left without income and also substantially less access to produce for Canadians who were already grappling with the effects of the depression. Horrible timing! -
Unemployed workers placed in relief camps during the height of the Great Depression
CONTINUITY: The Canadian government responded to the great depression and mass unemployment by creating unemployed relief camps across Canada. Men would receive low pay and boarding in return for hard labour, the government faced criticism for this as it didn't really help the unemployment crisis, the situation didn't improve, and too many were left unemployed throughout the 30's. Despite this, unemployed men were so desperate for work, most accepted any chance to get into these camps eagerly. -
Farmers met with substantially increased demand for produce for soldiers as Canada enters war.
CHANGE: During WW2, farmers across Canada were met with the expectation to produce enough food to both support soldiers overseas, and support those contributing towards the war effort on home turf. Through whatever means possible, they had to maximize crop yield, including by; enlisting the help of previously unemployed women and children, switching farm to most desired crops (particularly wheat), etc. This further proved complicated for farmers, as they were met with a labor shortage as well. -
Women get sent back to work while men are sent to war
CHANGE: After the severe job inequality women faced in the great depression, they faced a very sudden and drastic change when Canada entered the war on September 10th 1939. Women suddenly returned in droves for the first time since the first world war to factories and other positions left vacant by men sent overseas. Despite years of inequality in the workforce, women were eager to help the war effort to support their husbands, sons, and brothers overseas. -
Men sent to war! Solving the unemployment crisis.
CHANGE: When Canada entered the war in 1939, there was a huge demand for soldiers, almost overnight. Unemployed men had a tough time finding adequate work that paid well enough to support their families throughout the 30's. When presented with the opportunity for immediate employment, OK pay, with food covered, and growing social pressures, most unemployed men jumped at the opportunity to go to war. Men lined up at recruiting centers across the nation, it appeared as a win-win situation. -