Democracy for the Military
During the First World War, previous exclusions based on sex, race or property ownership were abolished for all Canadians who were in the armed forces or had relatives in the armed forces: they could vote without discrimination. Eventually the restrictions were abolished altogether and all citizens over 21 were allowed to vote.

Extending the Right to Vote
Canada at first had so many restrictions on the right to vote that members of Parliament spoke for a mere fraction of the population. And various forms of undue influence meant that the few people entitled to vote did not necessarily express their true preferences. That all changed eventually, but it was a long and laborious process, not always motivated by democratic principles. For example, voting rights were extended during the First World War, but only in favour of groups who were known to be supportive of the war effort. This was sure to bring more votes for the government.