The War Measures Act in Canada

Patrice Dutil discusses the uses of the War Measures Act in twentieth century Canada with Xavier Gelinas, the curator of political history at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau and the co-author of Lost Liberties: The War Measures Act, published by the Canadian Museum of History. The discussion examines the origins of this legislation and its application during the First World War, the Second World War and during the October Crisis of 1970. The motivations of the various governments are examined as are the chief victims of the WMA: relatively new immigrants, Japanese Canadians during 1942-45 and dissidents. The WMA is also considered for what it reveals about Canadian political culture. Finally, the difficulties in rendering judgment are explored. This podcast was produced by Jessica Schmidt. If you like our work, please consider supporting it: https://bit.ly/support_WTY. Your support contributes to the Champlain Society’s mission of opening new windows to directly explore and experience Canada’s past.