NationStates Jolt Archive

The Dominion of Canada

http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/images/c/ca-1868.gif
Official Flag ~ Adopted 1907

Population: 7,527,000

The Executive Government:

Monarch: HRH George V, King of the United Kingdom, Canada and His other Realms and Territories, Defender of the Faith
Governor General (Gouverneur général): Rt. Hon. Arthur William Patrick Albert, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn
Prime Minister (Premier ministre): Rt. Hon. Sir Robert Laird Borden [Tory]
Minister of Agriculture (Ministre de l’Agriculture): Hon. Martin Burrell
Minister of Finance (Ministre des Finances): Hon. Sir William Thomas White
Minister of Justice (Ministre de la Justice): Hon. Charles Joseph Doherty
Minister of Labour (Ministre du Travail): Hon. Thomas Wilson Crothers
President of The King's Privy Council for Canada (President du Conseil privé de la Reine pour le Canada): Rt. Hon. Sir Robert Laird Borden

The Legislature:
Senate (Le Sénat):
Leader of the Government in the Senate (Leader du gouvernement au Sénat): Hon. Sir James Alexander Lougheed [Tory]
Speaker of the Senate of Canada (Président du Sénat du Canada): Hon. Auguste Landry [Tory]
Leader of the Opposition in the Senate (Leader de l'opposition au Sénat): Hon. Sir George William Ross [Liberal]
House of Commons (Chambre des communes):
Speaker of the Canadian House of Commons (Président de la Chambre des communes): Hon. Thomas Simpson Sproule [Tory]
Leader of the Government in the House of Commons (Leader du gouvernement à la Chambre des communes): Rt. Hon. Sir Robert Laird Borden [Tory]
Leader of the Opposition (Chef de l'Opposition): Hon. Sir Wilfrid Laurier [Liberal]

Administrative Divisions:
Provinces:
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan
Territories:
- Northwest Territories
- Yukon Territory

Federal Income and Budget:

Tech Level: 5

Growth (1913): 2.8

Income:

Production Centres: 5
-- Toronto (8), Quebec (4), Halifax (4), Vancouver (4), Ottawa (4)

Reasources: 33
-- Regina (11), Montreal (5), Vancouver(5), Winnipeg (6), Ontario (1), Surplus Foodstuffs (4)

Commerce: 3 shipping units

Total: 62

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Budget & Expenditures:

Ministry of Defense: 6.45
-- Maintenance (3.45), Naval Construction (3) [year 1/2]
Ministry of Labour: 1.80
-- Social Services [Level III] (1.8)
Grants & Contributions: 52.75
-- Military Assistance to the United Kingdom (52.75)

Surplus: 1

Military Organization of the Dominion of Canada:

[Information soon to be provided]

Foreign Policy:

A Dependency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in London.

Trade Policy:
Free-Trade Agreements:
Economic Organizations:

Economic Aid & Financing (via the Bank of Canada):
Outstanding Loan Payments:
Funds Currently Available: 1
Loans Extended To:
Aid Extended To:
-- The United Kingdom of Great Britain (52.75)

OOC: I did the build since you haven't and it's almost 1915!

1914

Production Centres: 6
- Toronto (4)
- Quebec (2)
- Halifax (2)
- Vancouver (2)
- Ottawa (2)

Resources: 33
- Regina (11)
- Montreal (5)
- Vancouver(5)
- Winnipeg (6)
- Ontario (1)
- Surplus Foodstuffs (4)

Commerce: 3

Total: 48

Expenditures:

Program Expenses:
- Defense (3.45)
8 Destroyer
6 CL
1 BC
1 Garrison
1 Militia

2 naval bases-(Halifax, St. Johns)
- Social Services (1.8)

Builds:
-3 CL 3 points (year 2/2)

Grants & Contributions:
- Military Assistance to the United Kingdom (24.75)
- Aid to Rumania (15)

Growth 5%: 1.4 (halved)

OOC: Thanks, I appreciate it. I'll see if I can't find some more time to update my New Thread throughout the week (as I dig for interesting historical events in Canada as of this time).

OOC: I'm going to assume that Canada donates 23 points to Britain this year, leaving you plenty of room to do what you wish, since you gave more than that last year and you were on cut spending.

Statement Concerning the Halifax Explosion:

In the aftermath of this terrible event, the Federal Government, in conjunction to assisting the Provincial authorities of Nova Scotia in the clean-up and reconstruction of Halifax and its harbour, along with caring for both the wounded and the dead, has ordered the formation of a national committee to investigate the details of the explosion and how it was caused. Lead by the Minister of Labour, the Hon. Thomas Crothers, the committee, consisting of experts in the field of civil and chemical engineering, as well as a bi-partisan group of MP's from the House of Commons, will be tasked with gathering every piece of evidence and prosecuting those responsible.

In this time of great tradgedy, we as a nation must take heed of man's fragility and mourn those who have been lost. However, we cannot betray our own lives and that of our children's by lingering in the past. Thus, Canada will continue to make the trek onwards into the east, longing for better days ahead.

- From the Office of the Prime Minister, November 1917

Au lendemain de cet événement terrible, le gouvernement fédéral, dans la conjonction à aider les autorités provinciales de la Nouvelle-Écosse dans le nettoyage et la reconstruction de Halifax et de son port, avec s'occuper du blessé et des morts, a commandé la formation d'un comité national étudier les détails de l'explosion et comment il a été causé. Menez par le ministre du travail, Hon. Thomas Crothers, le comité, se composant des experts dans le domaine de civil et le génie chimique, comme un groupe biparti de MP de la Chambre des Communes, sera chargé avec recueillir chaque preuve et poursuivre ceux responsables.

Dans cette période de grand tradgedy, nous pendant qu'une nation doit prendre l'attention de la fragilité de l'homme et pleurer ceux qui ont été perdus. Cependant, nous ne pouvons pas trahir nos propres vies et cela de nos enfants par prolongé dans le passé. Ainsi, le Canada continuera à transformer le voyage en avant en l'est, désirant ardemment pendant de meilleurs jours en avant.

[I'm back and I've even managed to reactivate my old account. Now that the holidays are pretty much done for, you can expect some activity from me throughout the week.]

Federal Budget (1918):

Tech Level: 5

Growth (1918): 2 [Normal Spending]

Income:

Production Centres: 7 [Maximum]
-- Toronto (2), Quebec (1), Vancouver (1), Ottawa (2), Halifax (1)

Reasources: 33
-- Regina (11), Montreal (5), Vancouver(5), Winnipeg (6), Ontario (1), Surplus Foodstuffs (4)

Commerce: 3 shipping units

Total: 42

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Budget & Expenditures:

Ministry of Defense: 8.95
-- Maintenance (2.95), Reconstruction of Halifax Naval Base (6)
Ministry of Labour: 4.80
-- Social Services [Level III] (1.8), Aid & Repairs to Halifax Harbour (3)
Grants & Contributions: 23
-- Military Assistance to the United Kingdom (23)

Surplus: 5.25

[Note: This is just a peliminary idea of the budget for 1918 as I am still reading up on the recent changes made to the economic system. If there are any problems within the budget, please TG me and I will edit them as soon as possible]

In Canada, long standing issues over working conditions, the still mostly extractive nature of the Canadian economy (and its basic role as a supplier of raw materials to the Americans and British), the fact that Canada has not had a Progressive Era like the Americans had, and growing popularity (in spite of the Mexican Civil War) of Socialism brings about a serious and very influential general strike in Winnepeg beginning in June 1919.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnipeg_General_Strike

OOC
Canadian Parliament is going push for level 3 social spending in Canada

Upon hearing word of the strike, the Federal Goverment wastes no time in preventing its spread. At once, Ottawa orders for the arrest of those leading the strike (including J.S. Woodsworth and A.A. Heaps) while elements of the Royal North-West Mounted Police are dispatched to Winnipeg to disperse the rioters. Meanwhile, local police units attempt to control the uprising, subduing all those who resist their orders.

OOC: By the way, I already have Level III Social Spending.

Federal Budget (1919):

Tech Level: 5

Growth (1918): 2 [Normal Spending]

Income:

Production Centres: 7 [Maximum]
-- Toronto (2), Quebec (1), Vancouver (1), Ottawa (2), Halifax (1)

Reasources: 33
-- Regina (11), Montreal (5), Vancouver(5), Winnipeg (6), Ontario (1), Surplus Foodstuffs (4)

Commerce: 3 shipping units

Total: 40.6

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Budget & Expenditures:

Ministry of Defense: 3.45
-- Maintenance (3.45)
Ministry of Labour: 7.5
-- Social Services [Level III] (2.1), Roadway Construction & Enlargement (1.4) [year 1/3], 7 Shipping Units (7) [month 1/6]
Grants & Contributions: 23
-- Military Assistance to the United Kingdom (23)

Surplus: 2.11

Upon hearing word of the strike, the Federal Goverment wastes no time in preventing its spread. At once, Ottawa orders for the arrest of those leading the strike (including J.S. Woodsworth and A.A. Heaps) while elements of the Royal North-West Mounted Police are dispatched to Winnipeg to disperse the rioters. Meanwhile, local police units attempt to control the uprising, subduing all those who resist their orders.

OOC: By the way, I already have Level III Social Spending.

ooc
they are greedy, besides, you haven't had it too long

IC
Parliament also examines that amount of transfer payments made to England (to fund its navy) and grows increasingly restive, suggesting if the Canadian government has that kind of surplus, a tax cut (to austerity levels) is in order

Federal Budget (1920):

Tech Level: 5

Growth (1919): 2 [Austerity Spending]

Income:

Production Centres: 8 [Maximum]
-- Toronto (2), Quebec (1), Vancouver (1), Ottawa (2), Halifax (1), Montreal (1)

Reasources: 32
-- Regina (11), Montreal (4), Vancouver(5), Winnipeg (6), Ontario (1), Surplus Foodstuffs (4)

Commerce: 10 shipping units

Total: 42

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Budget & Expenditures:

Ministry of Defense: 3.45
-- Maintenance (3.45)
Ministry of Labour: 13.5
-- Social Services [Level III] (2.1), Roadway Construction & Enlargement (1.4) [year 2/3], 10 Shipping Units (10) [month 1/6]
Grants & Contributions: 23
-- Military Assistance to the United Kingdom (23)

Surplus: 2

Political Events: 1920-21

Sir Robert Borden, after having lead the Tory Party for 19 years and Canada itself for 9 of those years as Prime Minister, officially resigns his post on June 6th, having every intention to retire from politics for good. In his last act as Prime Minister, Borden nationalizes Canadian Northern Railway and Grand Trunk Railway to further streamline the transportation rennovations still being made by Ministry of Labour. Although widely disliked by the opposition, many Whigs, including Opposition Leader Sir Wilfrid Laurier, remarked fondly on Borden's astounding political career and bid him good tidings as he left his post.

Taking his place is the young Arthur Meighen of Manitoba who, through his leadership during the Winnipeg General Strike, had quickly risen to the top of the Conservative ranks. Upon taking office, Meighen immedeately calls for a general election, hoping to use the platform of a stable and successful Canada under Tory rule as a spring board to win more seats in Parliament. However, the Winnipeg Strike, along with the farm tariffs passed by the Tories in previous years had made the party widely disliked among labour and farmers alike. Furthermore, many Canadians had begun to protest the Dominion's continued financial support of the Royal Navy which had, in the past, been citied as "a terrible waste of the budget" especially in the wake of the Washington Naval Conference. But, Meighen, supported by the majority of his party, insisted that such support was vital to maintaining the strength of the British Empire both at home and abroad.

As a result, the 1921 elections soon proved to be a major Whig victory as the Liberals secured a 70 seat majority against the Conservatives. The election also served as a debut for the first major Third Party in Canadian politics: The Progressives. Lead by T.A. Crerar, the party, siezing upon influences from the United States, avidly campaigned for a viable free trade policy with Canada's neighbor to the south. Popular among westerners and farmers alike, the party managed to secure 69 seats in its first major election, managing to even defeat the Tories.

As head of the Whig Party, William Lyon Mackenzie King, is appointed as Prime Minister. In his first series of speeches to the House of Commons, King outlines a new series of Social Reforms, including old age pensions along with improvements to the nation's welfare system. In order to pay for such changes, it is widely speculated that the Whigs will not only cut Canada's aid program to the British Royal Navy, but raise both industrial and agricultural tariffs as well. However, no word of such intentions has been given yet by the new Prime Minister.

Federal Budget (1921):

Tech Level: 5

Growth (1920): 2 [Austerity Spending]

Income:

Production Centres: 8 [Maximum]
-- Toronto (2), Quebec (1), Vancouver (1), Ottawa (2), Halifax (1), Montreal (1)

Reasources: 32
-- Regina (11), Montreal (4), Vancouver(5), Winnipeg (6), Ontario (1), Surplus Foodstuffs (4)

Commerce: 17 shipping units

Total: 42.4 [-1 due to market disruption]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Budget & Expenditures:

Ministry of Defense: 8.45
-- Maintenance (3.45), Development of Fighter Wing (3), Development of 1st Mountain Division (2)
Ministry of Labour: 13.1
-- Social Services [Level III] (2.1), 11 Shipping Units (11) [month 1/6]
Ministry of the Interior: 1.4
-- Roadway Construction & Enlargement (1.4) [year 3/3]
Grants & Contributions: 18.5
-- Military Assistance to the United Kingdom (18.5)

Surplus: 0.55

Federal Budget (1922):

Tech Level: 5

Growth (1921): 2 [Austerity Spending]

Income:

Production Centres: 8 [Maximum]
-- Toronto (2), Quebec (1), Vancouver (1), Ottawa (2), Halifax (1), Montreal (1)

Reasources: 32
-- Regina (11), Montreal (4), Vancouver(5), Winnipeg (6), Ontario (1), Surplus Foodstuffs (4)

Commerce: 28 shipping units

Total: 43.32 [-2.3 due to recession]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Budget & Expenditures:

Ministry of Defense: 7.05
-- Maintenance (4.05), Development of Fighter Wing (3)
Ministry of Labour: 2.1
-- Social Services [Level III] (2.1)
Grants & Contributions: 18.5
-- Military Assistance to the United Kingdom (18.5)

Surplus: 15.67

Federal Budget (1923-1924):

Tech Level: 5

Growth (1922): 1.4 [Austerity Spending]

Income:

Production Centres: 8 [Maximum]
-- Toronto (2), Quebec (1), Vancouver (1), Ottawa (2), Halifax (1), Montreal (1)

Reasources: 32
-- Regina (11), Montreal (4), Vancouver(5), Winnipeg (6), Ontario (1), Surplus Foodstuffs (4)

Commerce: 28 shipping units

Total: 43.32 [-2.3 due to recession]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Budget & Expenditures:

Ministry of Defense: 4.05
-- Maintenance (4.05)
Ministry of Labour: 2.1
-- Social Services [Level III] (2.1)
Grants & Contributions: 18.5
-- Military Assistance to the United Kingdom (18.5)

Surplus: 18.67

Federal Budget (1925):

Tech Level: 5

Growth (1924): 1.4 [Austerity Spending]

Income:

Production Centres: 6 [Maximum; -25% due to Depression]
-- Toronto (1), Quebec (1), Vancouver (1), Ottawa (1), Halifax (1), Montreal (1)

Reasources: 16 [-50% due to Depression]
-- Regina (5.5), Montreal (2), Vancouver(2.5), Winnipeg (3), Ontario (.5), Surplus Foodstuffs (2)*

Commerce: 28 shipping units [-50% due to Depression]

Total: 34.8 [-8.52 due to depression]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Budget & Expenditures:

Ministry of Defense: 4.05
-- Maintenance (4.05)
Ministry of Labour: 2.1
-- Social Services [Level III] (2.1)
Grants & Contributions: 18.5
-- Military Assistance to the United Kingdom (18.5)

Surplus: 10.15

[*Value drop based upon falling price of wheat on the world market]

Political Events 1921-1924:

Between 1921 and 1924, events in Canada were mostly stable. Under Prime Minister King's guidance, the Whig-led House of Commons continued onwards with the infastructure improvements of both the Borden and Laurier Administrations of the past, nearly doubling the amount of telephone lines across the country while more than 2,000 additional miles of roadways were added to provide for the growing number of automobiles on the road. Such ambitious projects, combined with the continuing efforts to expand rail networks into the Northwest Territories, bolstered industrial output and marginally reduced unemployment as of the 3rd Quarter of 1921.

In December of 1921, the National Air Defense Act is passed into law by the House of Commons and the Senate a week later. Under the provisions of the act, a Royal Canadian Airforce is established and funding is appropriated for the purchase of aircraft and training of new volunteers. In addition to the Air Defense Act, the 1st Mountain Division is created within the Canadian Army to serve as Canada's elite Alpine military unit. By 1923, the RCA boasts ten squadrons (or two units) of fully-functional fighter aircraft with one fighter wing located outside Winnipeg, one fighter squadron located near Vancouver, another near Ottawa, and the three remaining fighter squadrons at Camp Borden, Ontario. Further propositions regarding the formation of a Canadian Aerospace Industry are regarded with interest by the House of Commons, but no action is taken.

Towards the beginning of the 1st Quarter of 1924, market ripples in the US Economy reach Canada. The Canadian Dollar, closely tied to its American counter-part, starts to fluctuate heavily. To prevent the possibility of a greater inflationary trend, the Bank of Canada immedeately begins contracting the nation's monetary supply, leading to widespread foreclosures and bankruptcies as the credit bubble of the past 5 years burts. By the end of the 2nd Quarter, things have become serious. Consumer Confidence plummets as the CAD reaches a historic low and falling commodity prices, the lifeblood of the Canadian Economy, lead countless farmers, miners, and industrialists into financial ruin. However, unlike elsewhere, Canada's stable banking system manages to mostly resist the changing economic climate, and few (if any) failures emerge.*

On October 5th, the crisis turns into a full blown panic with news of Wall Street's collapse is made public. And, due to the massive infastructure and educational programs of the past decade, many Provincial and Municipal Governments find themselves unable to escape their debts. Thus, Canadians looked to the Federal Government for aid. Prime Minister King, although facing the grim prospects of economic ruin, remains resolute in his belief that the crisis, like those of the past, would pass in due time. As a result, only minor relief efforts are provided to the country's now unemployed and destitute (which, by 1926, will reach the 30% mark) leading to widespread unpopularity with the King Administration.

[In RL, the structure and stability of the Canadian Banking system allowed a good majority of its banks to remain in tact even as economic fortunes fell.]

Federal Budget (1926):

Tech Level: 5

Growth (1924): 0.696 [Austerity Spending]

Income:

Production Centres: 6 [Maximum; -25% due to Depression]
-- Toronto (1), Quebec (1), Vancouver (1), Ottawa (1), Halifax (1), Montreal (1)

Reasources: 16 [-50% due to Depression]
-- Regina (5.5), Montreal (2), Vancouver(2.5), Winnipeg (3), Ontario (.5), Surplus Foodstuffs (2)*

Commerce: 28 shipping units [-50% due to Depression]

Total: 34.45 [-8.52 due to depression; -0.35 due to corruption]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Budget & Expenditures:

Ministry of Defense: 4.05
-- Maintenance (4.05)
Ministry of Labour: 2.1
-- Social Services [Level III] (2.1)
Grants & Contributions: 18.5
-- Military Assistance to the United Kingdom (18.5)

Surplus: 9.80

Federal Budget (1926):

Tech Level: 5

Growth (1924): 0.696 [Austerity Spending]

Income:

Production Centres: 6 [Maximum; -25% due to Depression]
-- Toronto (1), Quebec (1), Vancouver (1), Ottawa (1), Halifax (1), Montreal (1)

Reasources: 16 [-50% due to Depression]
-- Regina (5.5), Montreal (2), Vancouver(2.5), Winnipeg (3), Ontario (.5), Surplus Foodstuffs (2)*

Commerce: 28 shipping units [-50% due to Depression]

Total: 34.45 [-8.52 due to depression; -0.35 due to corruption]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Budget & Expenditures:

Ministry of Defense: 4.05
-- Maintenance (4.05)
Ministry of Labour: 2.1
-- Social Services [Level III] (2.1)
Grants & Contributions: 18.5
-- Military Assistance to the United Kingdom (18.5)

Surplus: 9.80

Pressure in Parliament to fund unemployment insurance for the large numbers of unemployed (ooc level IV spending)

ooc
Canada gains 1 point a year in extra commerce for booze passing through on its way to Prohibition USA (ends when Prohibition does) beginning in 1926 (as flow becomes regular)

Political Events: 1926

Prime Minister King, having done little alleviate the plight of the nation's now unemployed and destitute, finds himself and his party in a very precarious position. In last year's Parliamentary Elections, the conservatives, through their promises of an expanded welfare policy and a reduction in defense spending, gain a good majority of the seats they had lost in 1921. Arthur Meighen, head of the opposition, makes it his personal quest to unseat the Liberals from power based on the premise of irresponsible policy-making and blatant apathy towards the economic constraints of the Canadian people. Furthermore, as the Depression grows worse, King's continued obstinance towards progressive reform makes him an enemy of both his fellow countrymen and his own party members who now openly conspire with the Conservative leadership to bring about his downfall.

On March 25th, 1926, the situation grew worse. Allegations regarding bribery in the Ministry of Commerce soon came to light and Ottawa was lit ablaze by political rhetoric. Unable to withstand the unending attacks and criticism against his administration, King soon turned to Governor-General Lord Byng to dissolve Parliament and call another election, but Byng refused on the basis that the Conservatives had won the largest number of seats in the prior election, and called upon Meighen to form a government upon King's resignation two days later.

Meighan's government, although unstable, holds through the spring and into summer, greatly bolstered by a comprehensive social reform bill, which, among other provisions, provides for the expansion of pensions for retirees, along with welfare and other assistance programs for the poor. Additional ideas including unemployment insurance and a minimum wage have also been called for by Progressives, but the spectre of budgetary shortfalls have kept the Federal Goverment from enacting any further economic legislation. It is expected that these reforms, although significant, will only serve as a temporary solution to the problem at hand.

The Canadians are informed the United Kingdom understands the concern about sending money to the Empire that could be used to feed, cloth, and employ Canadians. However, as the lack of funds from Canada will reduce the operational budget of the British Armed Forces, it is requested that the Canadians send a military expedition to the Indian-Burmese border, in order to assist the Indian Army in its security operations there during the current troubles in Burma.

OOC: An infantry division or brigade, or even just posting that you're sending some "specialists and technicians" would be appreciated.

The Dominion shall gladly comply with His Majesty's request for aid on the Indian frontier. Select units from the 1st Canadian Infantry Division shall be deployed in ernest upon the approval of Parliament. Moreover, we thank His Majesty for his understanding in regards to Canada's current needs and promise our continued support to the Empire.

~ From the Office of the Prime Minister

----

In light of Great Britain's request, the House of Commons authorized the deployment of Canadian troops to India shortly thereafter. Although many remarked such a move was unwise at this moment in time, most MP's realized the important role the Dominion played in the affairs of the Empire and thus the need for their continued support.

Thus, as of January 1926, 3,000 Canadian troops of the 1st Infantry Division are mobilized and prepared for further deployment in Halifax. It is projected that the first Canadian boots will land ashore in eastern India by early April at the latest.