Which prime minister oversaw the conscription policy in WWI?

Which prime minister oversaw the conscription policy in WWI?

• A. Robert Borden
• B. Wilfrid Laurier
• C. Lester B. Pearson
• D. John A. Macdonald

Answer: (A)

Conscription in WWI was introduced in Canada under Prime Minister Robert Borden. Faced with rising casualties and a shortage of volunteers, his government passed the Military Service Act in 1917 to compel able-bodied men to serve overseas, aiming to boost troop numbers for the war effort. This move marked a shift from voluntary enlistment to mandatory service and sparked significant political and social tension, especially in Quebec. The other figures listed were either earlier leaders or later politicians and were not the ones who implemented conscription in WWI.

Conscription in WWI was introduced in Canada under Prime Minister Robert Borden. Faced with rising casualties and a shortage of volunteers, his government passed the Military Service Act in 1917 to compel able-bodied men to serve overseas, aiming to boost troop numbers for the war effort. This move marked a shift from voluntary enlistment to mandatory service and sparked significant political and social tension, especially in Quebec. The other figures listed were either earlier leaders or later politicians and were not the ones who implemented conscription in WWI.