Prohibition in Canada (Plain-Language Summary)

Temperance Movement

The temperance movement began in the 19th century. Temperance groups wanted people to stop drinking or drink less. They also tried to shut down bars and taverns. They believed that alcohol caused problems like poverty and child neglect.

Prohibition in the 19th Century

In the 1800s, some places in Canada passed laws to limit alcohol sales. The Canada Temperance Act of 1878 allowed local governments to ban alcohol. In 1898, a national vote was held about prohibition. A majority voted in favour. But Quebec voted against it. The federal government decided not to pass a nationwide law. Much of the country already had prohibition under local laws.

Prohibition during the First World War

In 1901, Prince Edward Island became the first province to pass a prohibition law. During the First World War, prohibition became law in most provinces. The territory of Yukon also had prohibition during the war. So did Newfoundland, which wasn’t part of Canada at the time. People saw it as a patriotic act to help win the war.

Prohibition Laws

Provincial laws varied. In general, they banned the sale of alcohol and outlawed bars and taverns. It was also illegal to have or drink alcohol, except at home.

People could use alcohol for scientific, medical, industrial and religious purposes. They had to buy it from government dispensaries. Licensed distillers and brewers could also sell alcohol outside the province.

The legal situation was complex. Provinces oversaw sales and consumption. The federal government oversaw the making and trading of alcohol. In 1918–19, Canada had national prohibition. It was a temporary wartime measure.

Drinking During Prohibition

Fewer people became drunk during prohibition. But enforcing prohibition laws was difficult. People still made and drank alcohol. Illegal alcohol production (like home-brewed “moonshine”) became common. Some people started “bootlegging” (selling alcohol illegally). People also drank in illegal bars called “speakeasies.” Some pretended to be sick because doctors could prescribe alcohol.

Smuggling

The US had prohibition from 1920 to 1933. It was stricter in the US than in Canada. In the US, beer, wine and spirits couldn’t be made, sold or transported. In Canada, alcohol could be made and exported (but not sold or consumed). This meant people could legally ship alcohol out of Canada. Then they smuggled it into the US.

Repeal

Prohibition didn't last long in Canada. Many people opposed it, saying it violated personal freedoms. In 1919, Quebec decided to allow low-alcohol beer, cider and wine. The province made a lot of money by selling alcohol to tourists. Quebec repealed prohibition entirely in 1921.

In 1920, British Columbia allowed alcohol again. Other provinces soon followed. Prince Edward Island was the last province to end prohibition (1948). But some local governments decided to stay “dry” for years.