Over a million veterans reentered civilian life after the war, getting married, having children (the “baby boom” in Canada), and buying houses. Much of what Canadians were buying was manufactured by its southern neighbor. The dramatic increase in consumption brought Canada’s balance of payments with the United States under severe pressure for the first time since the Great Depression.
During the 1945–46 period, it also contributed to inflationary pressures that spurred industrial unrest. By the end of the war, organized labour had nearly doubled, and the unions were ready to demonstrate their new strength through major strikes in the auto, steel, and transportation industries.
Here are some fabulous vintage photos that show Western Canada in 1947.
