Lost Liberties – The War Measures Act

In a democratic society like Canada, civil liberties are rooted in tradition. In times of crisis, these liberties become fragile. Should they be curtailed to ensure the security of the state and society? This package looks at three crises that prompted the Canadian government to invoke the War Measures Act: the First World War, the Second World War, and the October Crisis of 1970. The suggested activities in this package focus on Historical Thinking Concepts, and encourage students to take historical perspectives and consider the ethical dimension of how history is interpreted.

What are civil liberties? In democratic countries, civil liberties date back to the Middle Ages, to the Magna Carta of 1215. They are protected rights and freedoms that include, for example, freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly, the presumption of innocence, and the right to a fair, just and prompt trial. Legislation in Canada that protects these civil liberties has evolved over time. The most important recent legislation is the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982).

Crises — such as war, the threat of violence, and disease — present governments with a dilemma. How do we protect freedoms while protecting national security?

This package uses research, stories and objects from Lost Liberties, a temporary exhibition at the Canadian Museum of History (2021–2022). Like the exhibition, this package focuses on the three crises that prompted the Canadian government to invoke the War Measures Act, and the impact that it had. Each crisis is shown from the perspective of decision-makers, and of the individuals and families affected by the crisis. Testimonials, photographs, drawings and audiovisual materials from the time, along with primary source objects, allow individuals to tell their own stories, from their own perspectives. Members of communities affected by the War Measures Act, and an external advisory committee, guided development of the exhibition.

Please note that this package discusses content — such as racism, discrimination, imprisonment and death — that some readers might find upsetting. We recommend teachers read through all content before sharing with their students.

For some tools and techniques related to teaching difficult subjects, please review our resource Teaching Difficult History.