A look at the problematic relationship of Canadian unions and the New Democratic Party on the eve of the 1980s, as the Socialist International meets in Vancouver. This triggers a flashback to the Industrial Revolution in Great Britain, and the birth of both modern trade unions and democratic socialism. The influence of British, American and European immigration, of American trade unions, World War 1 and other events provide a turbulent and fascinating backdrop to the evolution of the Canadian labor-socialist alliance.
The world plunges into the Great Depression which, like most leaders, Canada's R.B. Bennett refuses to combat with unbalanced budgets and government spending. Inspired by reports from Russia, many turn to communism for solutions. The 1937 General Motors strike in Oshawa gives the Congress of Industrial Organizations a toehold in Canada, but on the eve of World War II Canada's tiny unions remain blocked by restrictive labour laws and, like the equally tiny Cooperative Commonwealth Federation, locked in struggle with communist rivals.
World War II turns Canada into an industrial power, and creates a mass trade-union movement. Mackenzie King responds with unemployment insurance and full legal status for unions. In 1944, the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation came to power in Saskatchewan, under Tommy Douglas, the first socialist government in North America. With the formation of the Canadian Labor Congress in 1956, CCF and CLC energies are directed toward the formation of the New Democratic Party in 1961.
Follows the rollercoaster of New Democratic Party fortunes under its first three leaders: Tommy Douglas, David Lewis and Ed Broadbent. In spite of the rise of big public sector unions, labour support proves less substantial than the NDP's founders had hoped. The negative public image of unions reflects on the party. In four major elections, 1979 to 1988, the Canadian Labour Congress mounts major campaigns for the party, with disappointing results. Another falling-out with labour occurs after the 1988 'free trade' election, and Broadbent steps down as leader.