Unemployment and Farm Relief Act

The Unemployment and Farm Relief Act was introduced by Prime Minister R.B. Bennett, and enacted in July 1931 by the Parliament of Canada, enabling public works projects to be set up in Canada's national parks during the Great Depression. This legislation followed the Unemployment Relief Act, passed in 1930, which provided grants for municipal public works projects. The 1931 Act provided funds to municipalities and the provinces for road building projects, as well as funds set aside for projects in the national parks. The Act also enabled the authorities to combat unrest based on "pernicious" revolutionary doctrines, such as were espoused by the Communist Party of Canada.