When Canada entered the First World War in August 1914, the Government promised citizens that all those who would serve in armed services would do so on a voluntary basis. With Canadian casualties mounting as a result of the horrific losses at Ypres and the Somme and further exasperated by declining enrolment, by 1916 the promise of an all-volunteer force seemed unattainable if Canada wished to continue the fight. New recruitment methods became necessary. At first, the Government introduced a National Registration Law to identify available manpower. When very few of the potential recruits volunteered, the National Service Law tried to direct recruits to serve within Canada so as to replace those who would serve overseas in their home posts. That, too, did not work. Prime Minister Robert Borden reluctantly decided that he must go back on his word. His trip to Europe the previous month convinced him that it was necessary. The Prime Minister knew he was wading into a “mine field”, but it had to be done. On 18 May 1917, Borden announces that the government will be introducing a Bill for compulsory military service to be known as the Military Service Act. The leader of the opposition, Sir Wilfred Laurier, strongly opposes the measure, which he foresees will exacerbate the already strained relationship between English and French Canada. The Military Service Act and what became known as the Conscription Debate would indeed have significant political consequences for the country and remains a charged historical debate, fraught with emotions. Courtesy of Jean Morin and Friends "The First World War Day by Day" |
