Regina Riot

Definition

The Regina Riot was a significant civil disturbance that occurred on July 1, 1935, in Regina, Saskatchewan, during the On-to-Ottawa Trek, where thousands of unemployed workers were protesting for better living conditions and job opportunities. The event highlighted the social unrest and desperation of the Great Depression era, ultimately leading to increased public awareness of the economic struggles faced by many Canadians and influencing government relief efforts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Regina Riot was sparked when police confronted the demonstrators who had been camped out in the city, leading to violent clashes.
2. The event resulted in several injuries and arrests, with more than 30 people wounded during the riot.
3. The Regina Riot underscored the tensions between the federal government and the unemployed workers, leading to greater scrutiny of government policies regarding social relief.
4. The fallout from the riot prompted discussions about the need for improved social welfare programs in Canada.
5. Following the riot, the government began to implement more structured relief measures to address the growing discontent among unemployed Canadians.

Review Questions

• How did the Regina Riot reflect the broader social issues faced by Canadians during the Great Depression?
  • The Regina Riot was a direct manifestation of the widespread frustration and desperation that many Canadians felt during the Great Depression. With high unemployment rates and insufficient government support, thousands of workers joined the On-to-Ottawa Trek to demand better conditions. The violent clash in Regina revealed not only their dire situation but also how disconnected they felt from their government, prompting a national conversation about social justice and economic relief.
• Discuss the immediate consequences of the Regina Riot on Canadian social policy and government response.
  • The immediate aftermath of the Regina Riot led to increased scrutiny of how the federal government addressed unemployment and poverty. The violence highlighted the need for more effective social relief programs. As a result, there was a shift in public opinion that pressured lawmakers to create structured assistance measures. This eventually contributed to changes in how governments approached welfare and economic recovery in subsequent years.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Regina Riot on Canadian society and its influence on future labor movements.
  • The long-term impacts of the Regina Riot significantly influenced Canadian society by raising awareness of labor rights and social injustices. It galvanized future labor movements and encouraged collective action among workers advocating for their rights. The events served as a catalyst for more organized labor activism across Canada, leading to increased demands for fair wages, better working conditions, and comprehensive social safety nets that would shape labor relations in Canada for decades to come.

Related terms

On-to-Ottawa Trek: A movement in 1935 where unemployed workers traveled from British Columbia to Ottawa to demand better working conditions and relief from the federal government.

Great Depression: A severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 until the late 1930s, characterized by widespread unemployment and hardship.

Social Relief Programs: Government initiatives aimed at providing assistance to those in need, especially during times of economic crisis, such as unemployment benefits and public works projects.