Wartime Production
In addition to troops, Canada made a significant contribution to the war effort through industry and agriculture. The country helped to arm, equip and feed the Allies. Industrial output, in particular, was masterfully coordinated by federal minister C.D. Howe. The government created businesses, retrofitted existing factories, trained the workforce and addressed workers’ conflicts. “All hands on deck” called for both men and women. Unemployment disappeared and salaries rose.
Located in Fort William — part of present-day Thunder Bay, Ontario — the massive Canadian Car and Foundry factory, known as Can Car, was part of Canada’s massive industrial effort. A total of 4,500 men and women built more than 2,000 warplanes at Can Car for the Royal Canadian Air Force, Britain’s Royal Air Force and the United States Navy.
Jock Elrick and Nora Gibson
These two young workers met at the Can Car factory. John, known as Jock, began working there in 1937; Nora, in 1941. Nora was an assistant riveter. Jock was her supervisor. The couple married in 1943. Two years later, at the end of the war, Nora — along with all but three women at the factory — was given notice, and became a stay-at-home mother to the couple’s two children. Jock remained with Can Car until the 1960s.
Photos
Workers at a Can Car factory workbenchPhotographer unknown, 1939 to 1945
CMH, Photographic Archives, IMG2015-0347-0002-Dm
Almost completed aircraft at the Can Car factoryPhotographer unknown, 1939 to 1945
CMH, Photographic Archives, IMG2015-0347-0001-Dm
Ada Sylvester on her bicycle en route to the Can Car factoryPhotographer unknown, 1939 to 1945
CMH, Photographic Archives, IMG2009-0458-0003-Dm
Nora Elrick with friends from the Can Car factory1940s
CMH, Photographic Archives, IMG2015-0145-0022-Dp1
Jock and Nora Elrick on their wedding day1943
CMH, Photographic Archives, IMG 2015-0145-0003-Dm
Lunch box used by Nora Elrick at the Can Car factory1940s
Gift of Nora and John Elrick
CMH, 2007.94.2.1
Thermos used by Nora Elrick at the Can Car factory1940s
Gift of Nora and John Elrick
CMH, 2007.94.2.2 a-c
Elrick locketAbout 1943
Gift of John Elrick
CMH 2008.170.6 a-b
Mallet used by Ada Sylvester at the Can Car factoryOntario, 1939 to 1945
Gift of Ada Dlholucky (née Sylvester)
CMH, 2007.86.3
Photo at top of page:
Workers at a Can Car factory workbench
Photographer unknown, 1939 to 1945
CMH, Photographic Archives, IMG2015-0347-0002-Dm