Spirit of
struggle

Elections

1935 Federal Election

The 1935 federal election campaign was a hectic one with people determined to oust "Iron Heel" Bennett.

About 10 days after the Regina police riot the annual Calgary Stampede was held with tens of thousands of people lining the streets. One of the features of the parade was the musical ride of the RCMP. The feeling against the RCMP was so strong over their actions in Regina that they were angrily booed by the crowds.

Typical of the atmosphere prevailing during the federal election was a meeting that took place in the Calgary Arena. The featured speaker was prime minister R.B. Bennett. Calgary was his home town; he had been a CPR corporation lawyer here.

The people of Calgary were still incensed over his attack on the On To Ottawa Trekkers in Regina on July 1,1935. Every time Bennett tried to speak he was drowned out by boos and catcalls. He finally had to give up.

The big issues in this election campaign included abolition of the 20 cents a day relief camps and abolition of Section 98 of the Criminal Code which had been used to outlaw the Communist Party in 1931 and imprison its leaders.

The Tory government headed by "Iron Heel" Bennett went down to humiliating defeat that fall. Elected to replace Bennett was the leader of the Liberal Party, William Lyon McKenzie King. The Liberals who had promised to repeal Section 98 and abolish the Relief canps won 121 seats. R.B. Bennett and his Conservatives won only 39. The Liberals kept their promise; they repealed Section 98 and abolished the relief camps. Bennett soon after resigned his seat, moved to England where he was awarded the title of Viscount of Calgary. He died on June 26, 1947.

Regina Municipal Elections

In the November civic elections in Regina, the voters made clear where their support lay. Candidates who supported the suppression of the Trek were defeated.

The chairman of the Regina Labour Council was elected mayor. The majority of those elected to City Council were trade unionists or labour supporters. These included the local leader of the Communist Party, Jerry McManus. The Rev. Sam East who had supported them throughout was elected to Council.

more .....Aftermath