Canad How The Great Depression Affected Canada

The Great Depression was a devastating global economic crisis that impacted countries all around the world, including Canada. The economic downturn had a profound effect on the Canadian economy, leading to widespread unemployment, poverty, and hardship for many Canadians. This essay will explore how the Great Depression affected Canada as a whole and how it impacted different groups of people within Canadian society. Additionally, the government's response to the crisis will be examined, analyzing whether their actions were effective or not in addressing the economic and social consequences of the Great Depression. Through analyzing various historical sources, this essay will argue that the Great Depression had a lasting impact on Canada and its people, highlighting the need for effective government action during times of crisis.

As noted in the Canadian Encyclopedia, the urban working class was hit particularly hard by unemployment, wage cuts, and job losses. Women, too, were disproportionately affected, as they were often the first to be laid off and were paid less than their male counterparts. Indigenous peoples also suffered greatly, as they were already living in poverty and had limited access to social services. On the other hand, the middle and upper classes suffered less, as they had more resources to fall back on.

The government response to the crisis was slow and uneven, as noted in a short history of Canada by Desmond Morton. The government initially tried to balance the budget and reduce spending, which only worsened the depression. Later, the government implemented a series of policies and programs designed to provide relief to those affected by the depression. These policies included creating the Canadian Wheat Board to stabilize prices for farmers, establishing unemployment insurance, and creating public works projects to provide jobs for the