William Aberhart

I was born on December 30, 1878 in Kippen, Ontario. I livedthrough a time of fast-paced change, and worked to inspire change myself duringthe Depression. This economic hiccup most affected the Canadian West. I feltthe pain of my people after moving to Alberta in 1910 for a teaching job.

As a teacher, I was known as a disciplinarian andauthoritarian. I was very strict: rigidity was the best way to accomplish tasks.It's through the scope of teaching that I learned how to manage people—this skillcame in handy later when I dabbled in politics. I organized groups easily andwas able to govern people; in fact, I organized Calgary's largest PTA group,averaging about 200 parents per meeting.

I spent much of my life teaching, a passion that wentoutside the classroom. I enjoyed teaching my religious philosophies, heavilyrooted in fundamentalism. This means that I interpreted the bible literally. Iwas a minister and hosted radio shows where I discussed my evangelist beliefs.My radio show was also an outlet for expressing my political beliefs: in the30's—when the Depression was choking the Canadian economy—I spoke about SocialCredit.

I felt that the proper way to rescue the economy was to putthe power in the hands of the federal government, instead of making social aida local problem to deal with. I popularized the ideas of British engineer, C.H.Douglas, who believed that the economy suffers because of our system ofcapitalism. I believed that the government should give citizens a monthlyallowance in order to encourage participation in the economy; my ideas were metwith resistance, though. Many felt that my ideas were socialist and would promoteunemployment. I countered: our economy is fickle; the richest people are now onthe streets, unable to feed themselves. Poverty can strike anyone and everyone,and having welfare systems in place is absolutely necessary. After advocatingfor the idea of Social Credit, I became the premier of Alberta in 1935.

My ideas were the catalyst in bringing social security toCanada. Now, we have: universal healthcare, unemployment insurance, welfaresystems, and then some. Those who face economic hardships can rest easy knowingthat the government is able to provide care and support during the largest oftragedies. The impact of my ideas is revolutionary, especially when one takesinto account that there hasn't been an economic tragedy as severe as theDepression ever since I spoke out.