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☆ Pandemic arrived in Canada
I rank this event a -2 on the progress scale. After the war ended, the pandemic made its way to different communities across the country, including Labrador, Quebec, and First Nations reserves. The effect of the flu spreading killed entire villages. -
☆ Canadian deaths
I rank this development a -2 on the progress scale. The victims of the Spanish influenza pandemic were mostly young and healthy adults. 50,000 women and men died of influenza in addition to the 60,000 men who died at war. With the overwhelming number of casualties the pandemic and World War I inflicted, it affected society and the economy along with it. -
☆ Social impact
I rank this event a -1 on the progress scale. More often than not, children of many diseased parents were left parentless. Armies on both sides of the war were left debilitated and hopeless due to the losses at war and the unexpected pandemic to follow after. Many families were left without a primary wage earner. This event shows a decline because many individuals were overcome with grief due to the deaths of family members and despair due to the effects of the Spanish flu. -
$ Economic impact
I rank this event a -1 on the progress scale. Thousands of deaths led to the economy becoming stagnant. The lack of people resulted in less demand for services. The death toll also reduced the workforce. The result of these occurrences would further slow down the growth of the economy, thus causing a decline. -
✋☆ Federal government regulations
I rank this development a 0 on the progress scale. At the time, federal bureaucrats did not respond appropriately to the authorities' requests to take action against the flu. They said it was up to municipal or provincial jurisdictions to handle. Some would even intervene, making the spread worst by making door-to-door conscription drives in the midst of the pandemic. However, the federal government eventually requested WWI victory celebrations to be postponed. -
✋ Provincial governments regulations
I rank this development a +1 on the progress scale. Amidst the outbreak, provinces set up new laws enforcing people to wear masks and to quarantine. This shows progress because it provides a sense of responsibility and influence for Canadians battling this flu. -
✋$ Municipal governments regulations
I rank this development a +2 on the progress scale. Municipals closed all non-essential services at the time of the outbreak. This shows progress because multiple services would not be open, allowing for fewer people to meet up in one place, thus allowing for the flu to not spread as quickly. This event shows progress because the municipal authorities are shown creating regulations in order for the pandemic to be contained. -
✋ Establishment of the Federal Department of Health
I rank this development a 2+ on the progress scale. If it weren't for Rowell and McGibbon's say on Canada's healthcare system, the Department of Health would not have been as impactful as it would be back then as well as today. The formation of this department would later endeavour research into public health, promotion of healthy lifestyles, support disease prevention and many other regulations and procedures. -
✋ Newton Wesley Rowell
I rank this person a 2+ on the progress scale. Newton Wesley Rowell was the President of the Privy Council as well as the first federal minister of health. He recognized all matter and questions directed to the powers of the minister about health and social welfare and understood that they were important and deserved to be seen. -
✋ Peter McGibbon
I rank this person a +2 on the progress scale. Peter McGibbon was the only Member of Parliament to argue for free healthcare for everyone. He stated, "I am in favour of giving every poor man, woman, and child in this country free medical service from the crave to the grave." McGibbon went on to showcase he cared for the wellbeing of each and every Canadian, especially during an unfortunate time. This shows progress because every person in Canada would be free of paying to seek medical aid.
