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Buy British goods

To ease the strain on Canada's currency, Canadians during the Second World War were urged to buy British goods, rather than American, whenever possible.

"Paper is a Munition of War"

During the Second World War, the Wartime Prices and Trade Board printed and distributed labels that allowed envelopes to be reused, as a way to save paper.

Wartime vacation - business as usual

One way to help Canada's economy in the early years of the Second World War was to encourage American tourists to continue to come north and spend money - hence this pamphlet produced by the federal government.

Tires rolling to victory

This Sarnia, Ontario, automobile dealership used in its advertising a painting by Ted McCormick "symbolizing unity between industry and war services."

Cameras and Photography

Photography was subject to government controls during the Second World War, for tourists and locals alike.

canadacameras.pdf (2.39 MB)

Have your soldier or sailor photographed

A First World War advertisement for a Toronto photography studio, aimed at the families of men and women in uniform.

Advertisement for Victory Special

A Second World War advertisement for a patriotic picture frame, aimed at the families of men and women in uniform, probably from 1945.

Marshal Foch sells insurance!

This picture of Supreme Allied Commander Ferdinand Foch was used to advertise the London Life Insurance Company during the First World War.

Vehicle Data Book

Used as a reference handbook for the Canadian Army Overseas, this vehicle data booklet includes descriptions, photographs, and technical details of every vehicle used by the Canadian Army during the Second World War. A summary on page three explains how it would be useful to "those engaged in the supply, maintenance, and operational handling of military vehicles."

To the women of Canada

Price controls constituted a major step for Canada's government of the Second World War, so Donald Gordon, the man in charge of implementing them, took every opportunity to explain the process to community groups.