Woodsworth, James Shaver (1874-1942), was a Methodist minister and one of Canada’s leading social reformers of the 1900’s. He recommended many of the social welfare programs adopted by Canada after World War II ended in 1945, including old age pensions and unemployment relief.
Woodsworth was born on July 29, 1874, near Toronto. In the early 1900’s, he became known for his dedication to helping needy farmers and workers. Woodsworth strongly opposed violence, and during World War I (1914-1918), he spoke out against Canada’s military draft. He participated in the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919, in which about 30,000 workers in Winnipeg struck for various rights. In 1921, Woodsworth won election to the Canadian Parliament as a member of the Manitoba Independent Labour Party. He served there until his death on March 21, 1942.
During 1932 and 1933, Woodsworth helped found the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation, Canada’s former socialist party. He led the party (now the New Democratic Party) until 1940. He was the only member of the House of Commons who voted against Canada’s entry into World War II in 1939.
