During the war, women were mobilized into the workforce to an extent
unprecedented. While many remained in traditional "female" jobs,
large numbers also took on non-traditional work, such as welding or
logging, or joined the armed services in non-combatant positions.
Although most women returned to their homes or their previous jobs
after the war, their wartime experiences signalled the beginning of
a gradual change in the composition of Canada's workforce.
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Excerpt from a broadcast made by the
Honourable W.L. Mackenzie, September 1, 1940.
"In war, no work, no effort, can compare
with the sacrifice of the soldier, the sailor and the airman. Their
sacrifice is uppermost in the thoughts of this nation; it will live in its
memories. But Canadians will remember too the debt they owe labour. In
Canada, labour has extended its hours, surrendered its holidays, and in its
determination to increase and advance production, has taught the young and
the inexperienced the intricacies of complicated trades.
Every workingman knows that every bolt, every piece of steel, every
bullet, every machine part fashioned in Canada is a work for victory.
Every workman knows that lacking the machines of war, the bravest men in
the world will avail nothing."
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Date Created: October 28, 1999 | Last Updated: July 30, 2010
