The Last Best West: RETURN TO MAIN MENU


Advertising in Britain, 1920s



Canadian Museum of Civilization,
Library
 

This edition of Canada West ca.1929 focussed on the good life awaiting British immigrant families on the prairies. Copious information appeared under headings such as:

  • Education: Free, Universal and Compulsory
  • Western Canada is a Land of the Utmost Religious Freedom
  • The Car (Thousands of Saskatchewan Farmers Motor to Annual Agricultural Fairs)


The various schemes to attract British emigrants to Canada in the 1920s resulted in 535,000 new settlers, compared to the approximately 687,000 who arrived between 1910 and 1920. Heavy British casualties in the First World War may partly explain the drop.





The 1930 edition of Canada West appeared after the collapse of the New York Stock Exchange, and the onset of the Great Depression. Canadian emigration offices in Britain closed shortly afterwards.

Canada West's description of "the community spirit fostered by provincial governments" makes poignant reading, in hindsight. In addition to schools and churches in every settlement, hospitals and public health nurses within easy reach, and local newspapers in almost every community, it mentions travelling libraries and "moving picture outfits", boys' and girls' clubs, Women's Institutes, agricultural fairs ... all part of the prosperous life in western Canada that disappeared in the Depression years of "The Dirty Thirties".

 
Canadian Pacific Archives,
Image no. BR 194



Back Next

The Early Years
1870-1897
Advertising in Britain
1900-1916
Advertising in Europe
1900-1920s
Presenting newcomers to Canada
1910-1911
Advertising in the United States
1900-1920s
Advertising in Britain
1920s
The Early Years, 1870-1897 Advertising in Britain, 1900-1916 Advertising in Europe, 1900-1920s Presenting newcomers to Canada, 1910-1911 Advertising in the United States, 1900-1920s Advertising in Britain, 1920s