WWI Debate: Fact Sheet

Name: Karen Chow

Date: March 21,2003

Topic: The nature of WWI made the restrictions of the War Measures Act necessary. (For)

Partner: Wynee Lee

Interpretation of issue

I believe the nature of WWI made the restrictions of the War Measures Act necessary.

Definitions:

“Nature” means a particular combination of qualities that makes something what it is and makes it different from other things.

“Restriction” means a rule or system that limits or controls what you can do or what is allowed to happen.

“Necessary” refers to something you need to have or need to do.

The War Measures Act is used by the government to place restrictions on “enemy aliens”. It gave the government sweeping powers to ensure “the security, defense, peace, order, and welfare of Canada.”

Opening Statement

Two of the main driving forces for the internment include wartime xenophobia and war fever. The tense situation of war and the inexperience of Canada being involved in such a big event created fear of national security. War also brought out the prejudice and discrimination against Eastern Europeans. People grew very cautious and suspicious of others. Since the multiculturalism was not yet well established at that time, Canada was extremely vulnerable to such matters. The most effective solution would be setting up internment camps and placing enemy aliens there. This way the national security can be assured and the conflicts between Canada’s first official language speaking immigrants and non-official language speaking immigrants would be reduced.

Argument/ Evidence

Argument #1

Ø The restrictions of the War Measures Act were necessary for national security.

Supporting Points

Ø “Enemy aliens’ were suspected of planning to blow up the Welland Canal.

Ø Though there was not evidence that this was to happen, or that there were people in Canada working for enemy countries, it would be too late if the government waited for something to happen.

Ø Wartime xenophobia existed. “Xenophobia” means extreme fear or dislike of people from other countries. Since there were people who were descendants from the enemy country, it was a logical thing to assume that they may have stayed loyal to their home country.

Ø Multiculturalism was not that well established. The population of Canada had undergone a dramatic change from 1890s to the first decade of the 20^th century under the government of Wilfred Laurier. Over a million people came to Canada during this time, bringing an extraordinary diversity of religion, language and race to our shores. For a country that had been predominately British and French for the greater part of century, this change in demography was difficult for some Canadians to accept.

Ø The military forces of Canada were not well equipped. She had only 3000 regular army soldiers before the war broke out. The navy consisted of only two aging cruisers. Compared to the great powers in Europe, Canada was much weaker and was vulnerable to their attacks.

Ø Being vital to Britain’s supply of munitions and weapons, Canada has a value in the opponents’ eyes as a target. With all the men and armed forces sent to the front and remaining mostly women in the home country, Canada’s situation would be even worse and was left quite defenseless.

Ø Putting the people suspected in a separate place as others was an effective way to ensure safety of the country since Canada could not afford to have any mistakes and accidents.

Ø It also reduced the conflicts between people since unity in Canada, as a nation was significant in such hard times.

Ø Act. 2 of War Measures Act “ The issue of a proclamation by His Majesty, or under the authority of the Governor in Council shall be conclusive evidence that war, invasion, or insurrection, real or apprehended, exists and has existed for any period of time therein stated, and of its continuance, until by the issue of a further proclamation it is declared that the war, invasion or insurrection no longer exists.”

- states that the Proclamation itself is sufficient proof that invasion or insurrection really exists. Thus, there is no possibility to challenge the War Measures Act on the ground that an emergency does not really exist.

Opposing Arguments	Responses
The accusation of the enemy aliens was proved to be groundless.	At that time, nobody knows, especially in a war situation where people were so suspicious of others. Actions were necessary. When the government found out, it would be too late and the Canada as we see today would be totally different.
The enemy aliens, being innocent, didn’t deserve to be locked up.	The question is whether the War Measures Act was necessary, not whether they deserved to be locked up. I believe, in this particular circumstance, it was for the common good of people and Canada as a nation.
There could be other ways to solve the security problem, like emphasizing and strengthening the police force.	Many young men were sent to the front. Human resources were limited. It was shown by the replacement of work roles by women.
The conditions were harsh in the internment camp. They were poorly clothed and fed.	Canada was facing economic difficulties during war and she needed to spend money in other areas, such as providing foods and equipments for the soldiers, which would benefit Canada as a whole nation.

Bibliography

G.W. Kokodyniak, V. Pawlowsky, and R. Zakaluzny. “Internment of Ukrainians in Canada 1914-1920” InfoUkes Inc.

http://www.infoukes.com/history/internment/index.html

(Saturday November 18th 1995)

AJP Taylor, JM Roberts. 20^th Century Volume

Toronto: Purnell Reference Books, 1979

Alliance Atlantis Communications Inc., “A Week of Remembrance”

http://www.historytelevision.ca/archives/remembrance/

(2001-2003)

Andrea Malysh, “CANADIAN CONCENTRATION CAMP BEING REMEMBERED” Ukrainian Canadian Civil Liberties Association

http://www.uccla.ca/pressreleases/internment/press52.html

(May 28, 2002)

Craig I.W. Marlatt. “The Right Honourable Sir Robert Borden”

http://www.craigmarlatt.com/craig/canada/government/borden.html

(2003)