On-to-Ottawa Trek

Definition

The On-to-Ottawa Trek was a protest movement in 1935 where thousands of unemployed workers, primarily from the Relief Camps set up during the Great Depression, marched from British Columbia to Ottawa, seeking better working conditions and direct relief from the federal government. This event was significant as it highlighted the struggles faced by many Canadians during the economic crisis and sparked political debates about unemployment relief and social welfare programs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The On-to-Ottawa Trek began when around 2,000 men left Vancouver on April 15, 1935, aiming to reach the capital to demand better treatment for unemployed workers.
2. The trek was supported by various labor organizations and aimed to raise awareness about the dire conditions in relief camps across Canada.
3. As the marchers reached Regina, they were met with a strong police presence due to fears of potential unrest among the protesters.
4. The trek culminated in a standoff between trekkers and authorities in Regina, leading to the Regina Riot on July 1, where police clashed with demonstrators.
5. Although the protest did not achieve its immediate goals, it raised awareness about unemployment issues and contributed to discussions around social reform in Canada.

Review Questions

• How did the On-to-Ottawa Trek reflect the social conditions faced by Canadians during the Great Depression?
  • The On-to-Ottawa Trek vividly illustrated the desperation and frustration of many Canadians during the Great Depression. Unemployment was rampant, and those reliant on relief camps faced poor living conditions and inadequate support. The marchers sought not only immediate assistance but also highlighted broader issues of social justice and workers' rights, making their grievances known to a national audience.
• What were the political implications of the On-to-Ottawa Trek for emerging political parties in Canada?
  • The On-to-Ottawa Trek significantly impacted emerging political parties like the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), which aligned with the trekkers' demands for social reform. The trek emphasized the need for better labor policies and government intervention in social welfare. As a result, political parties began to incorporate these concerns into their platforms, leading to shifts in Canadian politics as issues of poverty and unemployment became central to national discourse.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the On-to-Ottawa Trek on Canadian social policy and labor movements in subsequent decades.
  • The On-to-Ottawa Trek had lasting effects on Canadian social policy by raising awareness of unemployment issues and worker rights, ultimately contributing to significant reforms in welfare systems. The protest helped catalyze public discussions about social safety nets that would influence future legislation, such as unemployment insurance introduced after World War II. Additionally, it energized labor movements across Canada, leading to stronger alliances between workers' groups and political parties advocating for social justice, ultimately shaping Canada's welfare state.

Related terms

Relief Camps: Facilities set up by the Canadian government during the Great Depression to provide work and basic support for unemployed single men, often involving hard labor and inadequate wages.

Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF): A political party formed in 1932 that aimed to address social and economic issues through socialist policies, gaining support among workers and those affected by the Great Depression.

Regina Riot:

A violent confrontation that occurred on July 1, 1935, between police and protesters in Regina, Saskatchewan, during the On-to-Ottawa Trek, leading to significant injuries and arrests.