Relief camps

Definition

Relief camps were temporary accommodations established by the Canadian government during the Great Depression to provide shelter and work for unemployed men. These camps offered a means of survival for many, as they combined minimal wages with basic living conditions in exchange for labor on public works projects. The camps were controversial, facing criticism for their harsh conditions and the stigmatization of the individuals who resided there.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Relief camps were established in 1932 by the federal government as a response to the soaring unemployment rates caused by the Great Depression.
2. Conditions in relief camps were often poor, with inadequate food and basic amenities, leading to public outcry and protests from residents and supporters.
3. The daily wage for relief camp workers was minimal, usually around 20 cents per day, which was insufficient to support a family or escape poverty.
4. Relief camps were mainly designed for single men; families and women were largely excluded from these programs, reflecting societal attitudes of the time.
5. The On-to-Ottawa Trek in 1935 highlighted the discontent among relief camp workers, drawing attention to their plight and ultimately leading to reforms in relief efforts.

Review Questions

• How did relief camps reflect the government's response to the economic challenges of the Great Depression?
  • Relief camps were a direct response by the Canadian government to manage the massive unemployment crisis during the Great Depression. They aimed to provide a semblance of work and support for men who had lost their jobs. However, these camps often fell short of offering adequate living conditions or fair wages, highlighting a tension between governmental efforts to alleviate poverty and the actual experiences of those affected.
• Discuss the criticisms faced by relief camps and how they influenced public opinion during the Great Depression.
  • Relief camps faced significant criticism due to their harsh living conditions and meager pay, which led many to view them as inadequate solutions to widespread unemployment. The treatment of workers within these camps sparked public outrage and fueled protests like the On-to-Ottawa Trek. This activism helped shift public opinion towards advocating for more humane treatment and better relief efforts, ultimately contributing to policy changes.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of relief camps on Canadian social policies and labor rights following the Great Depression.
  • The existence of relief camps and the protests surrounding them played a crucial role in shaping Canadian social policies and labor rights in the years following the Great Depression. The demands of relief camp workers highlighted systemic issues related to unemployment and workers' rights, leading to increased awareness and advocacy for social welfare programs. As a result, Canada began developing more comprehensive social safety nets and labor laws aimed at protecting workers, which laid the foundation for modern social policy in Canada.

Related terms

Great Depression: A severe worldwide economic downturn that began in 1929 and lasted through the late 1930s, leading to widespread unemployment and poverty.

Public Works: Government-funded projects aimed at improving infrastructure, which often provided jobs for unemployed individuals during economic crises.

On-to-Ottawa Trek: A protest movement in 1935 where relief camp workers marched from Vancouver to Ottawa to demand better working conditions and wages.