Read the information on Victory bonds, and the primary document and look at the example posters.

Background:
The Canadian Government sold Victory Bonds to Canadian citizens, private corporations and various organizations in order to raise funds to pay for the war. The bonds were loan to the government that could be redeemed with interest after 5,10, or 20 years and were released during 5 different campaigns between 1915 and 1919. In 1915 a hundred million dollars worth of Victory Bonds was issued and quickly purchased. Each Victory Bond release saw a supporting poster campaign overseen by the Victory Loan Dominion Publicity Committee.

Primary Document:
SIR THOMAS WHITE – Minister of Finance (Leeds): Mr. Chairman, I desire today to lay before this committee proposals for a national measure of income taxation. Hitherto we have relied upon duties of customs and of excise, postal rates and other miscellaneous sources of revenue. Canada has been, and will continue during the lifetime of those present today, to be a country inviting immigration. I have, therefore, thought it desirable that we should not be known to the outside world as a country of heavy individual taxation.

We are, however, confronted with grave conditions arising out of the war. The time has arrived when we must resort to direct taxation. I am confident, Mr. Chairman, that the people of Canada, whose patriotism during this war has been so often and so nobly proven, will, in light of present conditions, which call for it, cheerfully accept the burden and the sacrifice of this additional taxation.

We cannot see very far ahead in these days. We do not know how long this war will last. We do not know what the attitude of the people of this country will be upon the many questions, social, industrial, financial and fiscal. Therefore, I have placed no time limit upon this measure but merely have placed upon Hansard the suggestion that, a year or two after the war is over, the measure should be reviewed by the minister of finance of the day, with a view of judging whether it is suitable to the conditions which then prevail.

Pictures:

 

Part I
Using that information reflect on the following questions.
1- Why did Victory bonds appeal to Canadians?
2- What do you think about the income tax that was put in? What it the right thing to do? Where there other options?
3- How would you feel about funding a war today?

Part II
Please attempt the following question with your group and only the information you already know. Record your best guess, then consult outside resources*.
1- There was a third way that Canada used to pay for the war. What do you think it was?
*Be sure to credit your sources.

Twitter Question:
What would live be like today without income tax?
#RsideSS11

Proceed to Station Four

Lesson Instructions