Anti-German Sentiments:
Following the outbreak of war in 1914, strong anti-German sentiment took hold in Canada, fueled by wartime propaganda and the country's position within the British Empire. German and Austrian immigrants, who had established vibrant communities before the war, became targets of suspicion, hostility, and discrimination.
Legal Measures and Internment:
In 1914, the government passed the War Measures Act, granting sweeping powers to deal with potential threats. As a result, thousands of enemy aliens were classified as suspicious, detained without trial, and confined to internment camps across Canada. The conditions in these camps were often deplorable, with overcrowding, poor sanitation, and inadequate food and medical care.
Internment Camps:
Multiple internment camps were established in remote locations across the country, including Amherst, New Brunswick; Spirit Lake, Quebec; and Kapuskasing, Ontario. At the peak of internment in 1918, over 8,500 people were held in these camps. While some detainees were eventually released, others were deported back to their countries of origin at the war's end.
Disenfranchisement and Economic Hardship:
Enemy aliens were deprived of their civil rights, including the right to vote and own property. Many lost their jobs or faced economic hardship as their businesses and livelihoods were disrupted. These discriminatory practices created significant social and economic challenges for the affected individuals and their families.
Ukrainian Internees:
In addition to German and Austrian immigrants, a large number of Ukrainian immigrants were also interned during World War I. Despite being citizens of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the time, many Ukrainians held pro-Allied sentiments and did not perceive themselves as enemies of Canada. Nevertheless, they were subject to internment and faced discrimination and persecution.
Legacy and Compensation:
The persecution of enemy aliens in Canada during World War I left lasting scars and trauma within affected communities. In 1988, the Canadian government formally apologized for the internment of Japanese Canadians during the war. However, no such apology or compensation has been offered to the victims of enemy alien internment.
The historical events surrounding enemy alien treatment during World War I serve as a reminder of the dangers of discrimination, fear, and scapegoating in times of conflict. It emphasizes the importance of upholding human rights, justice, and inclusivity during periods of national crisis and the need to learn from past mistakes.