Manufacturing

Out of work

The Second World War brought full employment to Canada, but it also brought the Unemployment Insurance Act. This card indicated that Ethel Cooper had received an unemployment insurance book when she stopped working at a Toronto-area munitions factory.

Profiteers and frauds

To embarrass the Conservative government, the Liberal Party released this pamphlet alleging profiteering, kickbacks, and fraud in the manufacture and supply of munitions for Canada's war effort.

Shell and Fuse.pdf (6.83 MB)

War Scandals of the Borden Government

Published by the federal Liberal Party, this booklet critically reviews the behaviours and actions of the wartime Borden government. Of particular note are accusations regarding unnecessary supply shortages, production delays, and the ever-present fear of wartime profiteering.

Defending factories and businesses

Pamphlets like this one educated factory and business owners on their wartime responsibilities - both in terms of production and security. It was important that wartime production in Canada maintain an efficient pace and follow the proper security measures to prevent disaster should any industries be threatened by air raids or other domestic threats.

Labour and the war

This pamphlet, published in association with the Canadian Institute of International Affairs, offers a glimpse into the problems, attitudes, and aspirations of Canadian factory workers.

"Canada's Second Front Line"

In this booklet of a printed speech, C.D. Howe comments on his role as head of the War Supply Board, noting the challenges the board faced in terms of administration and distribution. Of particular note, he stresses the importance of the home front and the role that Canadian industry will play in wartime.

R.J. Inglis, Civil and Military Tailors

R.J. Inglis Limited was a popular tailor and retailer established in 1875 with offices in Montreal, Quebec, and Winnipeg, Manitoba. The firm made, repaired, and altered civilian and military clothing, and also sold and customized military equipment, such as sword scabbards and uniform badges.

Women in munitions factories

This text was designed to showcase the value of women's work in the munitions manufacturing sector through photographs taken in Canada by the Imperial Munitions Board Engineering Department.

Munitions.pdf (48.03 MB)

Sabotage at a Walkerville factory

In 1915, the Peabody factory in Walkerville, Ontario, which manufactured military uniforms, was targeted by German-American saboteurs, who struck and then returned to the United States.

Making the Ram tank

This stamp honoured the manufacture of Ram tanks in Canada, and used a First World War phrase to do so.