Returning
Victoria welcomes its veterans
In preparation for the demobilization of Canadians in uniform after the Second World War, the city of Victoria established a Citizens Rehabilitation Council to help them with the practical problems of returning to civilian life.
Safe at home
This adaption of the popular song "Home, Sweet Home" was probably performed for soldiers returning to Canada in 1918 and 1919 through Quebec City.
The YMCA and ex-soldiers
This card, giving to a Canadian soldier returning home after the First World War, gave him a six-month membership at any YMCA in Canada.
Cash payments for veterans
To address one of the most pressing demands of Great War veterans, the Canadian government during the Second World War passed the War Service Grants Act, which gave all veterans a lump sum cash payment based on their length and place of service, rank, and family size.
Coming home to Winnipeg
As Canadians returned home from overseas after the Second World War, most communities devoted considerable effort to organizing homecoming ceremonies - including the distribution of cards of thanks such as this one.
Building a postwar economy
An offshoot of the Canadian Manufacturers' Association, the CRA (under its president Sir John Willison) changed its focus towards the end of the First World War and focusing on taking advantage of the transition to peacetime to advocate for stimulus in pursuit of economic development.
The Union Government and the peace
In this address, Rowell surveyed the work of the Union Government in managing Canada's transition from war to peace, including the demobilization of the Canadian Expeditionary Force and provisions for veterans.
"Are you coming back clean in Body?"
This YMCA pamphlet offered Canadian soldiers a lesson, albeit a belated one, on the dangers of prostitutes and sexually-transmitted diseases, and offered a warning to soldiers who might be returning to Canada "bearing the dishonorable marks of Venereal Disease."
Welcoming the Westies home
British Columbia's Westminster Regiment fought in Italy and north-west Europe during the Second World War. It returned home to New Westminster in January 1946, having lost 134 men to enemy action.
Sold by an unemployed war veteran
A combination of high unemployment after the First World War and insufficient programs for veterans forced many ex-soldiers to turn to other means to support themselves - such as selling patriotic song cards like this one.
Return of a soldier
This sentimental song was one of many that looked forward to the day when Canada's soldiers would return home.
Canada and the Versailles Treaty
This speech was delivered by Prime Minister Robert Borden to the House of Commons in September 1919, discussing the Versailles Treaty that ended the First World War.
Classification of Mental Disorders
Given the trauma associated with many soldiers' experiences throughout the war, this document can give insight into the treatment of mental disorders during and after the war.
When Canada's Fighting Man Again Becomes a Working Man
Facing the challenge of facilitating the successful return of thousands of servicemen to civilian life, the government published this pamphlet to educate Canadians on the measures in place and the national strategy for demobilization.
Wartime Propaganda
Writing during the interwar period, the author reflects on the perceived deception of Canadian Society by Allied propaganda during the First World War.
A soldier-settler in Simcoe County
In July 1916, Charles Coster enlisted in the 238th Battalion in New Liskeard, Ontario. After the war, he applied to the Soldier Settlement Board and eventually acquired land near Waterford, Ontario - the documents suggest that the transaction was not without its difficulties.
Reuniting the family
This conventional welcome-home song is most remarkable for the cover illustration - the terrible strain of war is clearly visible on the faces of the soldier and his wife.
"Stalwart sons of khaki"
One of Canada's most prolific songwriters and music publishers, Thompson wrote this song in anticipation of the parades that would be held to welcome Canada's soldiers home.
Welcoming war brides to Canada
A British woman who married a Canadian soldier during the First World War faced a host of complications in relocating to a new country. This pamphlet was intended to answer some of the most basic questions.
Discounted travel for veterans
Through the Soldier Settlement Board, veterans could receive discounted rail tickets for travel in connection with taking up farming work.