Prohibition in Canada in the 1920s

By Mrs. Guetter

What was Prohibition and When was it Passed in Canada?

Prohibition made the production and sale of alcohol illegal in Canada

It was passed nationally during 1918, under the War Measures Act

It was repealed in most provinces during the late 20s

Why was Prohibition Passed?

The Christian Women’s Temperance Movement had been asking for it for a long time already

Opponents agreed to it during WW1, since grains were more needed for food for soldiers than to make booze

What was the Result of Prohibition in Canada during the 1920s?

Lots of crime!!! For example:

- bootlegging! - speakeasies! - fake illnesses!

How did US Prohibition Affect Canada during the 1920s?

In the US, Prohibition lasted longer and was much more strictly enforced, so a lively smuggling trade (called rum running) of liquor to the US began

This resulted in crime and gangsters on both sides of the border (i.e Al Capone in Chicago and Roco Perri in Hamilton)

Did Prohibition Work?

Yes: - arrests for drunkenness dropped

considerably, some family saving accounts doubled, women were not beaten as frequently, and factories were more productive

BUT…

Prohibition Had Other Consequences

The government was well aware of the underground world of crime Prohibition had created and that criminals were making millions of dollars on the illegal liquor trade

SO …

Prohibition is Repealed

During the later 1920s, provinces repealed Prohibition and instead decided to tightly control the use of liquor through laws about who could sell liquor and who it could be sold to

Ex. Ontario – you must be 19, only the LCBO, Beer Store, or licensed restaurants or bars can sell it