The Masses and the Classes in Calgary: Labour, Lougheed, and Electoral Politics in Calgary, 1911-1926

Coinciding with Senator Lougheed’s time in the federal cabinet were some of the largest strikes in Canadian history, including major ones in Calgary. These signs of class division had political ramifications as both labour and conservative forces mobilized to control political representation in the city at all levels of government. This talk will explore the class dimension of electoral politics in Calgary, beginning with the federal election of 1911 — when Calgary bucked the trend of the west and voted against candidates supporting reciprocity — through to Alberta’s first recall election in 1926 over the issue of the public provision of textbooks in Calgary schools.

Light refreshments will be provided with drinks available for purchase.