What were the causes of the conscription crisis during World War 11 ?

Conscription is compulsory military service. The conscription issue of 1917 deeply divided Canadians. In 1939, after Canada had declared war on Germany, English Canada supported sending troops to help Britain and France, French Canada did not. Prime Minister King, fearful of dividing the country and his own government, promises the Quebec population during the provincial elections of 1939, that his government would not impose conscription during the war. Only volunteers would be sent overseas.

However, by 1942, the volunteer system could not maintain the strength of the armed forces. King was under considerable pressure from the military to bring in conscription. To release his government from his commitment to Quebec King decides to hold a plebiscite (a direct vote on a question of national importance) on the issue.

 On April 27, 1942 the Canadian population was asked to vote yes or no on the following question:
Are you in favour of releasing the government from any obligation arising
out of any past commitments restricting the methods of raising men for
military service?                          YES___                     NO___
Results of the plebiscite
The results once again showed the divisions between English and French Canada. Prime Minister King, mindful of this division, delays using conscription for overseas service until 1944, when 13,000 men were sent to Europe.

Try the following questions on the conscription crisis.