The On-to-Ottawa Trek
During the year 1935, more than 1000 men left the relief camps located in the interior of BC. They were frustrated with the camp conditions and the 20 cent wage they were receiving. Accordingly, they protested this matter. They got together in Vancouver, where they held rallies and gathered money for food. With the Relief Camp Workers' Union taking charge, the men decided to pursue their complaints directly and speak to the PM. Once again, men hopped on aboard trains, but this time, they were not looking for jobs; they were on a mission to discuss with the PM in Ottawa. As the freight cars traveled through the Prairies, many people gave a helping hand by providing food and supplies. More than 2000 people had taken part in this journey by the team the train reached Regina, Saskatchewan.
PM Bennett was quick to act, as he informed the RCMP to stop the trekkers in Regina. The protesters were placed in a restricted space (a stadium), and only the leaders were permitted to proceed to Ottawa. When the leaders finally arrived at the nation's capital, PM Bennett criticized them of being communist radicals and troublemakers. PM Bennett was concerned about the idea of communism spreading to Canada after what happened in Russia (the Bolshevik Revolution).
West of Ottawa, in Regina, the trekkers refused to cooperate. They battled the RCMP and the police for hours, and this event was referred to as the Regina Riot. The violent altercations resulted in the death of 1 officer and in the arrests of 130 men.
PM Bennett was quick to act, as he informed the RCMP to stop the trekkers in Regina. The protesters were placed in a restricted space (a stadium), and only the leaders were permitted to proceed to Ottawa. When the leaders finally arrived at the nation's capital, PM Bennett criticized them of being communist radicals and troublemakers. PM Bennett was concerned about the idea of communism spreading to Canada after what happened in Russia (the Bolshevik Revolution).
West of Ottawa, in Regina, the trekkers refused to cooperate. They battled the RCMP and the police for hours, and this event was referred to as the Regina Riot. The violent altercations resulted in the death of 1 officer and in the arrests of 130 men.